Hosanna Weekly Cyberline

Hosanna Cyberline September 5, 2008

2008-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

"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...

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
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.
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.
New Sunday school teachers will be installed.
Annual blessing of the backpacks as the new school year begins. ALL CHILDREN PLEASE BRING YOUR BACKPACKS SUNDAY MORNING.
Check out the 9:30 AM Contemporary service. Katie Johnson has put together a new format.
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!!
Coffee Sunday. Purchase gourmet coffee and chocolate to benefit Hosanna’s African Initiative.
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.
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

2008-08-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-08-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

"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...

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.
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.
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

2008-08-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

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

Announcements for the week of August 10...

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.
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.
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

2008-08-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

"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...

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.
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.
Sunday, August 24 - Beginning of fall worship schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11 AM; Sunday school/Adult Education @ 9:30 AM.
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.
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

2008-07-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

"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...

“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.
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.
Sunday, July 27—Installation of Pastor John at the 10:45 AM worship service.
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!
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

2008-07-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

"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...

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.
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
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.
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.
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 NAM food pantry.
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).
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

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 29, 2008

2008-06-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

" I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. " (Psalm 89)

First, some announcements for the week of June 29...

CONTINUE to wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home.
The Prayer Shawl Group requests donations of yarn (anything you have, full or partial skeins). Or, stop by a craft store and pick up a few skeins of a favorite color for this important ministry.
Hosanna Constitution—newly revised—is now available at welcometohosanna.com. See the “Forms, Documents, Policies” link in the right column of the home page.
Calendar glitches on the Hosanna website... It was brought to our attention (by Nancy Agafitei) that error messages have been appearing when using the Calendar (from mychurchevents.com) on Hosanna’s website. The church office received an email from Communications Resources stating they were victims of malicious attacks and were working to stabilize the site.
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.

This Sunday, June 29...

Worship Mentor Gathering @ 9:30 AM—meet with Cantor Gay in the conference room.
Summer Sunday School—this Sunday @ 9:30 AM with Amber (Classroom 6/Sunday School Opening Room).
Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds resumes after a week off.
CREW (High School age)—Bill King completes his "History of Rock and Roll." (Senior High Room/Classroom 11)
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 in this and any class

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

Sunday school in July will offer the Share Save Spend curriculum to the youth and any adult members who wish to attend. This is designed to be an intergenerational class. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Amber will be the teacher.
Staffed Nursery available every Sunday morning—All children 5 and under are welcome.
Former CREW member Christine Carter is returning to the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Arizona this summer. She is going with a group of college students to deliver hygiene and school supplies and running a week-long sports camp. She will be speaking at all services about this mission trip and asks for your support. Place donations in the offering plate.
Thanks to Jennifer Jackowski for accepting the role of co-superintendent for Sunday school. Please let her know if you are interested in teaching in the fall. Teachers for the upper grade levels are especially needed.\

Other Items...

Next Book Discussion... Title of book: "Consumption, A Novel of the Arctic" by Kevin Patterson. Date, time and place: 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.)
Synopsis: "In Rankin Inlet, a small town bordering the Arctic Ocean , the lives of the Inuit are gradually changing. In this novel, the reader enters into the modern contradictions of the Arctic - walrus meat and convenience food, midnight sun and 24-hour satellite TV, dog teams and diamond mines - and into the heart of Victoria Robertson. Born on the tundra in the 1950s, Victoria knows nothing but the nomadic life of the Inuit until, at the age of ten, she is diagnosed with tuberculosis and evacuated to a southern sanitarium. When she returns home six years later, she finds a radically different world, where the traditionally rootless tribes have uneasily congregated in small communities. Victoria has become a stranger to her family and her culture. Through Victoria , Kevin Patterson exposes the costs and consequences of cultural assimilation, and the emotional toll that significant lifestyle changes take on communities."
At the June 8th Congregational Meeting, Servant Awards were presented to the following: Beth Chaney - Choir, Chair of the Call Committee, all areas of Worship & Music and more.
Heda Christ - President of the Women of the ELCA, children's activities through the Discipleship Team, organized the recent women's retreat, coordinates the fair-trade coffee sales and more.
Jeff Hartmann - Brass team, President of the Congregation for the past 2 years (one without a pastor) and more.
Gary Johnson - Leading the contemporary worship service through picking/choosing music for every Sunday and making the service flow with the help of the Holy Spirit for the past several years.
Congratulations to these people for all they do for Hosanna. If there is someone that you would like to nominate for a Servant Award, forms are in the workroom. If you have any questions please contact any member of the Lay Leadership Team: Chad Greer (Chairman), Dolores Jaramillo, Katie Johnson, Earl Kemper, Marlo Peterson, Tripp Smith and Jean Waldo.
Link to This Week at Hosanna for June 29: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to July/August Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
Your weekly reading is John 3: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203&version=31 (Jesus teaches Nicodemus and John the Baptizer's testamony about Jesus.)

A little humor...

During his children's talk a pastor was talking to a group of kids and, to illustrate a point, he asked, 'Does anybody know what's small, furry, has a bushy tail, and runs up trees looking for nuts?'

All the kids were silent.

Finally, one little boy said, "Well, I know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!"

Dale Bargmann, Parish Communications, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Houton, Texas

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 20, 2008

2008-06-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

"But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation." (Psalm 69)

Some quick announcements:

CONTINUE to wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home.

The Texas District Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML) is expecting 1,000 women at their convention next week! It is being held at the Westchase Marriott (previously the Adams Mark), at 2900 Briarpark Drive (just east of the West Sam Houston Tollway off Westheimer).

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provided a grant to give each attendee a wonderful tote bag. There will be a Thrivent display with a 10 ft. x10 ft. model of a Habitat house at the convention. Volunteers are needed to staff the display table during the convention. Are there any Thrivent Builds Champions or volunteers out there who might be interested in staffing the display booth for two to four hours at any of the following times? If you can help, please contact Cindy Lappe: Office: 713-463-5113 - Email: cindy.lappe@thrivent.com

Times volunteers are needed: Thursday, June 26 - Noon to 5 pm; Friday June 27 - 8 am to Noon and Noon to 5 pm; Saturday, June 28 - 8 am to Noon and Noon to 5 pm (or earlier, when it closes).

This Sunday, June 22...

Blessing of Confirmands travelling to Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill @ 10:45 AM worship.
Beginning of Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill (through June 27). Please keep Anna Brown, Claire Tyrrell, Brooke Hales, Regan Gunhouse, Jordan Chaney and Sarah Martinez in your prayers as they travel to LaGrange for a week of fun and growing in faith and discipleship. Send letters to them at: P.O. Box 99 La Grange, TX 78945. You can also write Molly Waldo, Laura Greer and Marquette Henderson, who are working at Lutherhill.
Group Sunday school (through the end of June) for children ages 4 and up.
No Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds this Sunday. They may join the group class.
CREW (High School age)—Bill King continues his "History of Rock and Roll." (Senior High Room/Classroom 11)
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 room for more in this and other any class.

The Week Ahead...

June 26-28—Texas District Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML) Convention. =
Saturday, June 28—Book Discussion @6–8 PM in Classroom 9 (Confirmation Room). Title to be discussed: "Little Heathens" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. This gathering is for everyone who loves to read and to talk about what they have read. If you haven't read the book, come anyway and get the title for next month's discussion. Those who wish can go out to dinner at a local restaurant following the discussion.

Future items..

July 29—Mentoring Sunday.
New Photo Directory Coming... Have you met someone and said I wish I had their phone number or address. Well it’s directory time again. It’s been several years since we have had a new directory and members of the Care Team have volunteered to take on this project. To schedule a photo session, go to http://www.appointment-plus3.com/ap/hosannalutheran/index.php?page=10 Dates are open July 22-27 and 30-31. No computer access? Stop by the church office and a staff member will help you. We hope to have the new directory ready for distribution in early September.

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

Thanks to Jan Dietzman and Caty Oden for teaching Sunday School last Sunday. Please come to the Opening Room (Classroom 6) for group Sunday school.
A big thank you to all our VBS volunteers. Take a moment to look at the pictures in the narthex or visit our website for the complete PowerPoint photo show.
Our confirmation campers leave this Sunday for Lutherhill. We will be blessing them at the 10:45 service.
If you have not RSVP'd Amber for the CREW trip please do so by this Sunday. We are going to Canyon Lake July 22-24.
Thank you to Jennifer Jackowski for accepting the role of co-superintendent for Sunday school. Please let her know if you are interested in teaching in the fall.

Other Items...

Thanks to EVERYONE who helped with IHN this past week—food preparation, hosting, setting up the rooms, driving etc. etc. You are a blessing. Our next IHN rotation is September 7-13.
A staffed nursery is available every sunday morning during all worship services. The Hosanna Nursery attendant is Biserka Tsenkova (She likes to be called “Bisi,” pronounced "BC"). All children 5 and under are welcome.
Link to This Week at Hosanna for June 22: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to June Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
Your weekly reading is John 2: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%202;&version=31; (The Wedding at Cana, Jesus', first recorded miracle; also, Jesus clears the money changers from the Temple courts.)

A little humor...

THE SNEEZE... A true story that happened at the University of Maryland, passed on to me by Dottie Kemper

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium.

With their rich maroon gowns flowing … and the traditional caps, they looked almost … as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the commencements, not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guide lines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their fam ilies.

The speeches were nice, but they were routine ... until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.

All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!

The student on stage... simply looked at the audience and said, “GOD BLESS YOU, each and everyone of you!” And he walked off stage...

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

Dale Bargmann, Parish Communications, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 13, 2008

2008-06-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Above, Hosanna staff greets Pastor John Boldt as he arrives for his first day in the office, Wednesday, June 11. The logo on the t-shirts reads: "The Nutz and Boldt."

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38)

The day has arrived. This Sunday, June 15, Pastor John Boldt leads worship for the first time as Hosanna's pastor.

Everyone... please wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help Pastor Boldt and any new people feel at home.

This Sunday is also Mission of the Month Sunday. Your "noisy offering" goes to ELCA World Hunger Appeal for God’s global barnyard, providing training, access to safe water sources, help securing markets, and much more. Our offerings help purchase goats and other animals, providing families with food, funds and fertilizer, breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty in places like Kenya, Africa. This Sunday, dig into your pockets and purses and deposit your loose change into the buckets the ushers will pass during the offering. Let's fill God’s global barnyard with all sorts of animals!

Don't forget that a staffed nursery is available every Sunday morning during all worship services. The Hosanna Nursery attendant is Biserka Tsenkova (She likes to be called “Bisi”). All children 5 and under are welcome.

This Sunday, June 15—

Pastor John Boldt preaches and presides!

Reception for Boldt family @ 9-11 AM

Father's Day

Mission of the Month Noisy Offering

Start of IHN Week at Hosanna. Set up following 10:45 AM worship... You are invited to hang around to lend a hand.

Deadline for submitting articles for a combined July/August Hotline (Need both months due to my vacation schedule.) I am requesting that those planning the Senior's Outings, Book Discussion, Hosanna Women of the ELCA, church council and any other activities submit their information for this combined issue. Georgia, Garrett and I will be vacationing in Colorado July 14-29 and I want to get this issue completed before we leave. Thank you, Dale Bargmann

Thursday, June 19—Prayer Shawl Group @ 1 PM

Next Sunday, June 22—

Blessing of Confirmands traveling to Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill @ 10:45 AM worship.
Beginning of Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill (through June 27)

Looking Ahead

June 28—Book Discussion @ @ 6–8 PM in the Confirmation Room (note change of location because of summer AC needs) Title to be discussed: "Little Heathens" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. This is Mildred Kalish's story of growing up on her grandparent's Iowa farm during the depths of the Great Depression. This, however, is not a tale of suffering but the story of a childhood that "built character, fed the intellect, and stirred the imagination." Filled with remarkable stories, and brimming with recipes and how-tos, this book portrays a world of hard work tempered by simple rewards. and shows how the right stuff can make even the bleakest of times seem like "quite a romp." This gathering is for everyone who loves to read and to talk about what they have read. Those who wish can go out to dinner at a local restaurant following the discussion.

June 29-July 3—Disciple Project at Texas Lutheran University, a week long event for high school-age students and adults. For more information visit http://www.soggyshoes.org/.

July 29—Mentoring Sunday.

June 30—Deadline for submitting T-shirt designs for Fall Congregation Picnic. The theme is "A Time for Action 08.” The winner will get a $25 gift card to AMC or Santikos Theaters (winner's choice). Submit your design to The Care Team.

Other Items...

Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds meets @ 9:30 AM in the room next to the nursery. Parents are welcome to attend, to have fun and interact with their children as they learn basic Bible stories. Info: call Christi Frerking, 281-851-2002.

Link to This Week at Hosanna for June 15: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to June Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf

Your weekly reading is John 1: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%201;&version=31;

Reminder of the Children's Summer Sunday School schedule: July: "Share, Save, Spend" intergenerational Sunday School @ 9:30 AM. August: "God and Me" children's Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.

A little humor...

Some actual children's science exam answers

Q: Name the four seasons. A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed? A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? A: Keep it in the cow

Q.: What causes the tides in the oceans? A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Q: What are steroids? A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Dale Bargmann, Parish Communications, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 6, 2008

2008-06-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you..” (Psalm 31)

Don't forget to sign up to help with Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Week at Hosanna, which begins next Sunday, June 15. See the back of the green welcome insert. This is a vital ministry that provides a temporary home for families left homeless by circumstances beyond their control.

A new era has begun for the Hosanna community. Pastor Boldt begins his ministry at Hosanna Wednesday, June 11 and will be leading worship starting Sunday, June 15. Everyone... please wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help Pastor Boldt and any new people feel at home.

This Sunday, June 8—

Worship services are at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM. Contemporary Worship is @ 9:30 AM
Reception of new member Tracy Steere @ 8:15 AM.
First Communion: Nicholas Rohla.
Blessing of Prayer Shawl for Abigail Grace Williams.
9 :30 AM—Group Sunday school contiunes every Sunday in June. Jennifer Jackowski and Joyce Evans teach this Sunday.
9 :30 AM—Adult Education continues an 8-week study of Kelly Fryer's book "Reclaiming the L Word" with a subtitle of Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core.
After 10:45 AM Worship—Congregation meeting with election of officers
5:30 to 8:15 PM—VBS begins Sunday evening with a meal included! If you have not registered your child(ren) please email me: walkeriv@sbcglobal.net. Walk-ins are welcome too! The cost is $25/child or $35/family. The theme is Rainforest Adventure and we are sure to have fun. I still need a few volunteers if you are free. Lastly, we will be decorating the church for VBS after the Congregation meeting and would love any help. Just show up. Amber Walker

The Week Ahead—

June 11—Pastor John Boldt begins his ministry with Hosanna. His email is: pastorjohn@welcometohosanna.com
June 14—Senior’s Outing: Meet for dinner at Lasagna House (FM 1960 and I-45) @ 6 PM. Then it’s on to Ace Theater @8 PM for the exciting whodunit “Exit to Murder” Cost: $12 for the play plus your dinner. Questions: call Cecelia Gabrielson: 281-376-225
Next Sunday, June 15—Father's Day
Pastor Boldt preaches and presides!
Reception for Pastor Boldt @ 9-11 AM
June 15-22—IHN Week at Hosanna (sign up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert).
Deadline for submitting articles for a combined July/August Hotline (Need both months due to my vacation schedule.) I am requesting that those planning the Senior's Outings, Book Discussion, Hosanna Women of the ELCA, church council and any other activities submit their information for this combined issue. Georgia, Garrett and I will be vacationing in Colorado July 14-29 and I want to get this issue completed before we leave. Thank you, Dale Bargmann

Looking Further Into the Future

June 22—Blessing of Confirmands travelling to Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill @ 10:45 AM worship.
June 22-27—Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill.
June 28—Book Discussion @ 6–8 PM in the Confirmation Room (note change of location because of summer AC needs) Title to be discussed: "Little Heathens" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. This is Mildred Kalish's story of growing up on her grandparent's Iowa farm during the depths of the Great Depression. This, however, is not a tale of suffering but the story of a childhood that "built character, fed the intellect, and stirred the imagination." Filled with remarkable stories, and brimming with recipes and how-tos, this book portrays a world of hard work tempered by simple rewards. and shows how the right stuff can make even the bleakest of times seem like "quite a romp." This gathering is for everyone who loves to read and to talk about what they have read. Those who wish can go out to dinner at a local restaurant following the discussion.
June 29-July 3—Disciple Project at Texas Lutheran University, a week long event for high school-age and adults. For more information visit http://www.soggyshoes.org/.
June 30—Deadline for submitting T-shirt designs for Fall Congregation Picnic. The theme is "A Time for Action 08.” The winner will get a $25 gift card to AMC or Santikos Theaters (winner's choice). Submit your design to The Care Team.

Other Items...

Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds meets @ 9:30 AM in the room next to the nursery. Parents are welcome to attend, to have fun and interact with their children as they learn basic Bible stories. Info: call Christi Frerking, 281-851-2002.
Link to This Week at Hosanna for June 8: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to June Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf/\
Your weekly reading is Matthew 28 (last chapter): http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028&version=31. That completes Matthew. Next week we begin the gospel of John.
Reminder of the Children's Summer Sunday School schedule:
July: "Share, Save, Spend" intergenerational Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.
August: "God and Me" children's Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.

A little humor...

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were camping in the desert.They set-up their tent and were asleep. Some hours later, Holmes woke his faithful friend."Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see".

Dr. Watson replied, "I see millions of stars."

"What does that tell you?" asks Sherlock Holmes.

Dr. Watson pondered for a minute and replied,"Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millionsof galaxies playing host to billions of stars and planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.Time wise, it appears to be approximately 3:15 AM. Theologically, it is evident the Lord is all powerful and as small insignificant beings, we pale in God's presence. Meteorologically, we are in for a clear and beautiful day tomorrow with a light easterly breeze in the morning. What does it tell you, Holmes?"

Holmes was silent for a moment,then he looked at Dr. Watson and said:
"It tells ME that someone has stolen our tent."

Have great weekend,
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - May 30, 2008

2008-05-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

"Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” (Psalm 31)

VBS is coming up FAST (June 8-12)! If you have not registered your child(ren) please do so at our website http://www.welcometohosanna.com/. The cost is $25/child or $35/family. VBS is in the evening again this year. The time is 5:30 to 8:15 PM with a meal included. The theme is Rainforest Adventure and we are sure to have fun. I still need a few volunteers if you are free. Lastly, we will be decorating the church for VBS on June 8 after the late service and would love any help. Just show up. Thank you for your support and God Bless! Amber Walker

Don't forget to sign up to help with Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Week at Hosanna, starting June 15. See the back of the green welcome insert. This is a vital ministry that provides a temporary home for families left homeless by circumstances beyond their control.

This Sunday, June 1—

Summer worship schedule begins: Services are at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM. Contemporary Worship service remains at 9:30 AM
Deadline for submitting Mulkey Scholarship applications!!!
Anna Marie Flusche preaches.
Group Sunday school begins and contiunes every Sunday in June @ 9 :30 AM. Jennifer Jackowski and Joyce Evans teach.
Adult Education @ 9:30 AM continues an 8-week study of Kelly Fryer's book "Reclaiming the L Word" with a subtitle of Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core.
CREW end-of-year party @ 6-8 PM at Hosanna

Next Sunday, June 8—

After 10:45 AM Worship—Congregation Meeting with election of officers
Vacation Bible School begins @ 5:30 PM

Looking ahead...

June 11—Pastor John Boldt assumes office duties. His new email is: pastorjohn@welcometohosanna.com
June 15—Pastor Boldt preaches and presides.
June 15-22—IHN Week at Hosanna (sign up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert).

Other Items...

Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds meets @ 9:30 AM in the room next to the nursery. Parents are welcome to attend, to have fun and interact with their children as they learn basic Bible stories. Info: call Christi Frerking, 281-851-2002. (Last week there were 8 kids; there's always room for more!).
Link to This Week at Hosanna for June 1: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to June Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 27: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2027&version=31
July 22-26—2009 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Jesus, Justice, Jazz," in New Orleans. Click this link to view a PowerPoint with overview. http://www.welcometohosann.com/JJJ_overview.ppt. Also see the National Gathering page on the ELCA website: http://archive.elca.org/youth/gathering.html Online registration begins in September.
Reminder of the Children's Summer Sunday School schedule:
July: "Share, Save, Spend" intergenerational Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.
August: "God and Me" children's Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.

A little humor...

Some actual headlines:

--Include Your Children when Baking Cookies
--Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
--Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
--Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case
--Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
--Teacher Strikes Idle Kids
--Plane Too Close to Ground, Crash Probe Told
--War Dims Hope for Peace
--If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last a While
--Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
--Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

2008-05-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131)

The one big announcement for this week is the Summer worship schedule, beginning Sunday, June 1:

8:15 AM and 10:45 AM - Worship with Communion.
9:30 AM Contemporary Worship service remains at 9:30 AM on June 1 and June 8, then moves to 5 PM on June 15.

Also, an important reminder: Sunday, June 1 is the deadline for submitting Mulkey Scholarship applications!!!

And... Time is running out! Be sure to register for Vacation Bible School, June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM—Dinner is included. Volunteers still are needed. Contact Amber Walker. Register online:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/VBS_Registration_Form.htm

$2,194… That is the total amount of funds collected at the recent Garage Sale to benefit NAM’s SOS (Survival Over the Summer) campaign. You can still make donations, matched $.50 on the dollar. Contact Nikkie Brooks for information.

This Sunday, May 25—Youth Sunday and Memorial Day Weekend

Evan Moilan, Executive Director of Lutherhill, preaches.
Wrapping of High School Seniors: Stephen Brooks, Jacob Romihn, C.J. Welshons, Josh Alewine, Caty Oden and Laura Greer
Presentation of God and Life Award
Adult Education @ 9:30 AM begins a study based on Kelly Fryer's book "Reclaiming the L Word" with a subtitle of Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core.

The week ahead...

May 31—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM
Next Sunday, June 1—Begin Summer worship schedule (See above note).

Looking further ahead...

June 11—Pastor John Boldt assumes office duties.
June 15—Pastor Boldt leads worship for the first time as Hosanna pastor; Contemporary worship moves to new time: 5 PM
June 15-22—IHN Week at Hosanna (sign up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert).

Other Items...

New Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds: Meets @ 9:30 AM in the room next to the nursery. Parents are welcome to attend, to have fun and interact with their children as they learn basic Bible stories. Info: call Christi Frerking, 281-851-2002.
Link to This Week at Hosanna for May 25: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdfLink to newly published June Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 26: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2026&version=31 Three chapters to go to complete Matthew. This week is a review of the events prior to Easter, including Jesus' arrest.
July 22-26—2009 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Jesus, Justice, Jazz," in New Orleans.
Click this link to view a PowerPoint with overview. http://www.welcometohosann.com/JJJ_overview.ppt Also see the National Gathering page on the ELCA website: http://archive.elca.org/youth/gathering.html
Reminder of the Children's Summer Sunday School schedule:
June: Group Sunday School every Sunday @ 9:30 AM.
July: "Share, Save, Spend" intergenerational Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.
August: "God and Me" children's Sunday School @ 9:30 AM.

A little humor...

While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."

A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven...

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

"Somebody has well said that there are only two kinds of people in the world there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Lutheran Church Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - May 16, 2008

2008-05-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8)

First, this very good piece of news, in case you have not heard: John Boldt has accepted the call to serve as Hosanna pastor! To quote the last line of a brief letter, dated May 5, received by Congregation president, Jeff Hartmann: "May the peace of our Lord Jesus sustain us in the years to come as we seek to be faithful to the mission He has called us to do. Together now, let's go!"

Second, we grieve with the Meier family. The church office was notified yesterday that Diane's sister, Donna, passed away. Pray for comfort and support, not only for the Meiers, but all who have suffered recent losses.

New Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds: Meets @ 9:30 AM in the room next to the nursery. Parents are welcome to attend, to have fun and interact with their children as they learn basic Bible stories. Info: call Christi Frerking, 281-851-2002.

Children's Summer Sunday School:

Group Sunday School every Sunday in June @ 9:30 AM.
"Share, Save, Spend" intergenerational Sunday School in July @ 9:30 AM.
"God and Me" children's Sunday School in August @ 9:30 AM

This Sunday, May 18—Holy Trinity Sunday

Mulkey Scholarship Fundraiser @ 5-7 PM - If you can’t attend personally, please consider a donation to aid Hosanna’s youth as they seek higher education.
Don't forget that a staffed nursery is available for all children 5 and under. The nursery attendant is Biserka Tsenkova (She likes to be called “Bisi”).

Next Sunday, May 25—Youth Sunday (* new or changed items)

Evan Moilan, Executive Director of Lutherhill, preaches.
Wrapping of High School Seniors.
Last Sunday School
Recognition of Sunday School teachers
Adult Education @ 9:30 AM begins a study based on Kelly Fryer's book "Reclaiming the L Word" with a subtitle of Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core. The author is passionate about what it means to be Lutheran and how congregations live out that calling. The book is very readable and it is timely as we begin working with Pastor Boldt. The author's bishop advised the book should carry a warning label: 'Caution, reading this book could result in the transformation of the Church!' Join in the lively discussion. The book is available from Sue Loudermilk or Nancy Agafitei for $6.

* May 31—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM (new date)
June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM—Summer VBS, with dinner included. (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.) Sign up online (see "Bulletin Board" on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com
* June 11—Pastor John Boldt assumes office duties.
* June 15—Pastor Boldt leads worship for the first time as Hosanna pastor.
* June 15-22—IHN Week at Hosanna (sign up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert).

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for May 18: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
Link to May Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 25: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2025;&version=31;
July 22-26—2009 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Jesus, Justice, Jazz," in New Orleans. Click this link to view a PowerPoint with overview. http://www.welcometohosann.com/JJJ_overview.ppt Also see the National Gathering page on the ELCA website: http://archive.elca.org/youth/gathering.html
Something to think about and a little humor...

This Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday. How do you explain the Holy Trinity, that God can be one yet three, how the Trinity can be separate but the same? Some will say, “We’re not supposed to understand it.”

Well, that answer isn’t going to cut it with curious adults or children. They want an answer, in black and white, and they want it now! Here are some ways to illustrate the Trinity.

Shamrock

The three-leafed clover, or shamrock, is the way that St. Patrick explained the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. Take a sheet of green construction paper and cut out a shamrock. Write “God” on the stem, and “Father,” “Son” and “Holy Spirit” on each of the three leaves. As St. Patrick explained
it:: “Even the plants of the field tell about God. The shamrock has three leaves but only one stem. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three gods, but one God.”

The Triangle

Draw a triangle on a piece of paper. The three points are Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When God sent his Son, Jesus, to us and when he sends the Holy Spirit to us every day, he sends part of himself – part of the triangle as a whole – and not just a separate entity.

The Apple

Cut an apple down the middle from top to bottom. Note that an apple is skin, flesh and seeds – three parts. Without any one of them, it wouldn’t be an apple. The Trinity, too, works together as one.

Three Candles

Light three candles. Notice that there are three separate flames. Now tilt the tops of the candles so that the flames come together as one flame. Together they are one flame, yet three separate flames.

A Little Humor... Football finally makes sense:

A guy took his girlfriend to her first football game.

They had great seats right behind their team's bench.After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience.

Oh, I really liked it, she replied, especially all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents.

Dumbfounded, her date asked, What do you mean?

Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: "Get the quarterback Get the quarter back!"

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - May 9, 2008

2008-05-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

"Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great." (Psalm 104)

Hosanna Book Discussion, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, has been postponed. The new meeting date will be announced later.
The Care Team is still taking cash donations for the garage sale, matched $.50 cents on the dollar by Thrivent. Please place cash or check in one of the white envelopes in the pews. Mark the envelope "Garage Sale" and place it in the offering plate. Or, click the "Contribute Online" link on the home page of the Hosanna website (use the "other" box). https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/specialwebapp.vps?

Sunday, May 11 - Pentecost (Happy Birthday to the Church!)

WEAR RED!
Congregation president Jeff Hartmann preaches
Mother's Day Car Wash by the Confirmands. Free will offering.
Matt Moore will discuss his mission trip to Sierra Leone during Sunday school hour.
Save a Life - Donate Blood; 8am - Noon (look for the donor coach). May is "Diamonds for Donors" month. Receive a scratch off ticket to win prizes, just by attempting to donate. Everyone who donates also gets a t-shirt.
No CREW that evening.

Tuesday, May 13 - Senior's Outing: History lessons from two local museums is the theme, with visits to the Spring Historical Museum and the Tomball Museum. Lunch is at Les Gourmet Bistro in Tomball. Cost: $5 per person + cost of lunch. Meet at church @ 9:15 AM; leave @ 9:30; return to Hosanna by 2:30 PM. Give money to Nancy Wunsche or Dorothy Petersen.
Thursday, May 15 - DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES FOR THE JUNE HOTLINE; Also: DEADLINE for submitting Mulkey Scholarship applications
Sunday, May 18 - Trinity Sunday

Sunday School ends; Summer Sunday school begins June 1 (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)

May 25 - Youth Sunday. Wrapping of High School Seniors.
June 1 - Summer CREW begins. All incoming members are welcome!
June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM - Summer VBS, with dinner included. (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for May 11: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to May Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 24: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2024&version=31
NAM NEWS... In honor of National Volunteer Week, NAM would like to thank the more than 2,000 volunteers who carry out work in the community. We could not fulfill our mission without you! Volunteers truly are the heart of NAM. Currently, NAM needs more volunteers, especially in the following areas: Meals on Wheels, resale shops, assistance counselors, and clerical. If interested, contact Jamie Hartwell at 281-885-4609 or jhartwell@namonline.org. To learn more about community needs and life at NAM, check CEO Carole Little's new blog, The NAM Connection. Go to http://www.namonline.org, look for the link on the bottom of the homepage, or go directly to http://namconnection.blogspot.com.
July 22-26, 2009 - 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Jesus, Justice, Jazz," in New Orleans. Click this link to view a PowerPoint with overview. http://www.welcometohosann.com/JJJ_overview.ppt Also see the National Gathering page on the ELCA website: http://archive.elca.org/youth/gathering.html

Something to think about and a little humor...

This Sunday is Pentecost, the birthday of the Christian Church. The story goes something like this:

The disciples were moping around and trying to figure out what they were going to do now that Jesus was gone. All of a sudden the Holy Spirit came upon them. Scriptures say that there were tongues of fire above their heads. There was a wind blowing. With that wind and that fire the spirit came upon the disciples. Suddenly all those gathered together heard the message of God�s love in their own language. Some of the other people who were on the outside looked at them and said, "Those folks are all drunk". The disciples defended themselves, "You know, it's ten o'clock in the morning. We're not drunk. This is something different. This is the Holy Spirit."

Well, all along people thought that Christians were a little bit strange. They believed odd things. They lived their lives in a different way. They didn't worry about tomorrow. They didn't worry about where money was going to come from. They shared all their things in common. Those who were not believers said, "You're nuts." "You're crazy." When Paul arrives he says, "Don't worry about it. Be fools for Christ because the foolishness of God is much greater than the wisdom of humans."

Now, nearly two thousand years later, we need to hear the words in different ways, because we have been willing to stand up and declare our faith in Jesus. We have been willing to take risks and pay the price of being a Christian. But in doing so we have lost the joy of what it means to be Christian. Can you imagine, if you were an early Christian, what it meant to celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead? That wasn't a serious time. That wasn't a somber time. That was a joy filled time. A time to dance. A time to laugh. A time to sing out at the top of your lungs. It was a time for joy. In fact, through many years of the church the Sunday after Easter was known as Bright Sunday. It wasn't a time to withdraw, "We're done with Lent and we're done with Easter, and now we can take a vacation." Instead it was a time to celebrate the joy of the resurrection!

Now the humor part: Speaking of light and brightness, here are a few holy light bulb jokes...

How many members of an established Bible teaching church that is over 20 years old does it take to change a light bulb? One to change the bulb; nine to say how much they liked the old one.
How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb? One. But for the light to continue, send in your donation today.
How many Charismatic�s does it take to change a light bulb? One to change the bulb; nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.
How many mainline Protestant Churches does it take to change a light bulb? This statement was issued. "We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relations with your light bulb (or light source, or non-dark resource), and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three way and long-life, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence."
How many Tai Chi players does it take to change a light bulb? 100. One to change it and 99 to say: "That's not the way my teacher does it."

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - May 2, 2008

2008-05-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.” (Psalm 68)

For parents with children age 5 and under: Biserka “Bisi” Tsenkova will be in the nursey every Sunday during all worship service times.

This Sunday, May 4 (Seventh Sunday of Easter)...

Rev. Don Carlson, formerly at Zion in the Heights, now at the Synod office, preaches and presides.
Council Meeting @ 12:30 PM

Looking further into the future...

Saturday, May 10—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room, featuring a discussion of books on the subject of polio.
Sunday, May 11—Pentecost (Happy Birthday to the Church!) WEAR RED!

Mother's Day Car Wash by the Confirmands. Free will offering.
Matt Moore will discuss his mission trip to Sierra Leone during Sunday school hour.
No CREW that evening.
Save a Life – Donate Blood; 8am - Noon (look for the donor coach during worship times). Sign up in the Narthex to reserve your time slot.
May is “Diamonds for Donors” month. Receive a scratch off ticket to win prizes, just by attempting to donate. Questions? See Curtis Haight or Debbie Rohla.

Tuesday, May 13—Senior's Outing: History lessons from two local museums is the theme, with visits to the Spring Historical Museum and the Tomball Museum. Lunch is at Les Gourmet Bistro in Tomball. Cost: $5 per person + cost of lunch. Meet at church @ 9:15 AM; leave @ 9:30; return to Hosanna by 2:30 PM. Give money to either Nancy Wunsche or Dorothy Petersen.
May 18—Sunday School ends; Summer Sunday school begins June 1 (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)
May 18—Mulkey Scoloraship Fundraiser @ 5-7 PM, with dinner from the Outback Steakhouse. Reservation forms available at: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/mulkey_fundraiser_08.pdf Fill out with your meal selection and place in the box in the workroom.
May 25—Youth Sunday. Wrapping of High School Seniors.
June 1—Summer CREW begins. All incoming members are welcome!
June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM—Summer VBS, with dinner included. (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for May 4: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to May Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 23: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2023&version=31
Wanted… Summer Staff at Lutherhill Do you know of someone who would make a great staff member at Lutherhill? We are looking for people who want to be part of our summer ministry team. Choice positions are available. An application and information are available online: http://www.lutherhill.org (click jobs.)

Something to consider...

I received this from old friend and former member Bob Arnold:

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was: A four-year-old child, whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard,

climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy just said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'

A Little Humor… (from Gary Hellner)

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives:

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry, stating: 'If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.' In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release:

If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash........Twice a day.
Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.
The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.
Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - Friday, April 25, 2008

2008-04-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

"Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!” (Psalm 66)

INTRODUCING OUR NEW NURSERY ATTENDANT - The Staff Support and Discipleship Teams are happy to announce that the position for Hosanna Nursery Attendant has been filled. Biserka “Bisi” Tsenkova will begin work this Sunday. Bisi is a native of Bulgaria where she earned a degree in early education. She currently works at the Greenwood Christian Preschool as a 2 year old teacher. Bisi will be in the nursery this Sunday from 9 am until the end of the reception. All children 4 and under are welcome.

This Sunday, April 27 (Sixth Sunday of Easter)...

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE @ 10 AM. Hosanna's Choir will be performing Vivaldi’s Gloria and new members will be received SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 9-9:45 AM (NO ADULT EDUCATION).
Rev. Paul Frerking presides. A free-will offering is being taken to help fund this special service. Matching funds will be provided by Thrivent Financial.
Following the service, a reception will be held in the Narthex to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Gay Zimmerman’s commissioning as Associate in Ministry of the ELCA.

Looking further into the future...

Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting and Matt Moore will discuss his mission trip to Sierra Leone during Sunday school hour.
Saturday, May 10—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room, featuring a discussion of books on the subject of polio.
Sunday, May 11—Pentecost (Happy Birthday to the Church!) WEAR RED! Blood Drive (look for the donor coach during worship times) and Mother's Day Car Wash. No CREW that evening.
Tuesday, May 13—Senior's Outing:History lessons from two local museums is the theme, with visits to theSpring Historical Museum and the Tomball Museum. Lunch is at Les Gourmet Bistro in Tomball. Cost: $5 per person + cost of lunch. Meet at church @ 9:15 AM; leave @ 9:30; return to Hosanna by 2:30 PM. Give money to either Nancy Wunsche or Dorothy Petersen.
May 18—Sunday School ends; Summer Sunday school begins June 1 (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)
May 25—Youth Sunday Wrapping of High School Seniors. Evan Moilan, Executive Director of Lutherhill, preaches June 1—Summer Sunday School begins. Also, summer CREW begins. All incoming members are welcome!
June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM—Summer VBS, with dinner included. (Volunteers are needed. Contact Amber Walker.)

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for April 27: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf Link to the newly published May
Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf Your weekly reading is Matthew 22: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2022&version=31
Wanted… Summer Staff at Lutherhill. Do you know of someone who would make a great staff member at Lutherhill? We are looking for people who want to be part of our summer ministry team. Choice positions are available. An application and information are available online: http://www.lutherhill.org (click jobs.)

A Little Humor…

(My thanks to Bob McConnell for this one):

Reverend Boudreaux was the minister of the local Cajun Lutheran Church and Pastor Thibodaux was the minister of the Covenant Church across the road.

They were both standing by the road, pounding a sign into the ground, that read: "Da End is Near! Turn You se'f Around Now! Before It's Too Late!"

As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and yelled, 'You religious nuts!'

From the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash...

Boudreaux turns to Thibodaux and asks, 'Do ya tink maybe da sign should jus say 'Bridge Out'?'

Dale Bargmann Hosanna Lutheran Church Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - April 11, 2008

2008-04-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23)

Friday, Apirl 11—LAST DAY TO VOTE ON CREW'S TAJ MAHAL BUILT OF CANNED-GOODS. Stop by Willowbrook Mall and vote by dropping quarters into the "ballot box." The winner will be announced Sunday, April 13. Let's all "stuff the ballot box"!
Saturday, April 12—Inquirer's Retreat @ 9:30 AM-2 PM. Contact Nita Auer for information.

This Sunday, April 13 (Fourth Sunday of Easter)...

Fellow Hosanna member Pastor Robert Moore presides and preaches for worship services this Sunday.
Adult Education @ 9:30 AM presents a series of topical discussions on articles in the Lutheran magazine.
The congregation is invited to Andrew Greer's Eagle Court of Honor @ 4pm at Hosanna. A light supper will be served after the ceremony.
NAM Awards ceremony for the canned-goods structures @ 6:30 PM at Willowbrook Mall

The Week Ahead...

Tuesday, April 15—Deadline for submitting articles for May Hotline.
Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM: General meeting, entertainment and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.
Saturday, April 19—Texas Lutheran University (TLU) Visit Day, beginning @ 10 AM.
Saturday, April 19—Progressive Dinner @ 6-10 PM. Cost: $6.00. Sign up in the north narthex. All adults and guests are welcome. Sunday, April 20 @ 12:30 PM—IMPORTANT VOTE to extend call to John Boldt to serve as Hosanna pastor. Prayfully consider your vote on this important matter.

Looking further into the furture...

Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area. Also go to http://www.lutherhill.org/
Saturday, April 26—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM). Bring items to Hosanna beginning Sunday, April 20 and place them in Classroom 8. Sign up to help on the back of the green "welcome" insert.
Saturday, April 26—Vivaldi Rehearsal with orchestra @ 2:30 PM.
Sunday, April 27—Hosanna Choir performs Vivaldi's Gloria. Note: there will be ONE worship service @10 AM, with Sunday School @ 9-9:45 AM (no Adult Education). New members will be received at the service; afterward there will be a reception in the Narthex celebrating the 10th anniversary of Gay Zimmerman's commissioning as Associate in Ministry.
Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting.Saturday, May 10—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room, featuring a discussion of books on the subject of polio.
Sunday, May 11—Pentecost (Happy Birthday to the Church!) and Mother's Day. WEAR RED!Summer VBS dates are June 8-12 @ 6-8:15 PM, with dinner included.

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for April 13: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to the April 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 20: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2020&version=31
Nursery attendant—Staff Support Team is taking applications for this important position. Contact Sue King: 281-353-1242.
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County is planning a Global Village Trip August 16-24 to El Salvador to build Habitat houses. Some R&R and special cultural events throughout the week are included. Total estimated cost: $1,532 (includes airfare and $500 for local affiliate for building material). A $100 non refundable deposit is needed by April 10. If interested contact Ron Christ @281-440-7321.
WELCA News... Thank you to all who donated items for the Hosanna Bath & Body basket which was auctioned off at the Humble-Kingwood Cancer Relay for Life. The basket sold for $100 and the relay itself raised $90,000 for cancer research. New collection baskets for WELCA donations are located in the North Narthex under the information table. Please do not remove the baskets from the table. Thank you!

A Little Humor…

Where do Easter Bunnies go for new tails? To the “retail store”.
What happened to the egg when he was tickled too much? He cracked up.
What did the egg say to the clown? You crack me up!
What part did the egg play in a movie Easter Parade? He was an “egg-stra.
How did the eggs leave the highway? They went through the eggs-it.
What did the eggs do when the light turned green? They egg-cellerated.
Why couldn’t the egg family watch T.V.? Because their cable was scrambled.
What did the mommy egg say to the baby egg? You’re egg-stra special.
What’s red, pink and blue with yellow all over? An Easter egg rolling down the hill.
What day does an egg dislike the most? Fry-day.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

2008-03-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16)

This Sunday, March 30 (Second Sunday of Easter)...

We say goodbye to Pastor Bill and Kathleen Schwertlich who have graced us with his presence over these past months. You are invited to ome to the south narthex for refreshments and to bid them farewell. Thanks and God’ speed as they move on to St. Paul Lutheran in Rosenberg. (Pastor Bill will continue to facilitate our Wednesday morning Bible study through the end of April.)
Also this Sunday, we welcome Bailey Lynn Barlow into the priesthood of believers through the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
This Sunday is also the Senior/Parent Banquet for all graduating seniors and their parents at New Hope Lutheran Church, Missouri City

The Week Ahead...

Tuesday, April 1—Seniors Outing to Lutherhill at LaGrange. It's bluebonnet time! Also see Lutherhill's updated facilities. It's more than just a children's camp now. They will prepare a special meal. Total cost is $11.50. See Dorothy Petersen.
Saturday, April 5—Inreach Team meets @ 9-10 AMSaturday, April 5—Women's Day Retreat on Spirituality at the Kaiserhof in Tomball from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Sunday, April 6—Congregation Meeting @ 12:30 PM

Looking further into the future... (*new or changed item)

Saturday, April 12—Inquirer's Retreat, 9:30 AM-2 PM. Lunch will be served. Contact Nita Auer for information.
Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM: General meeting, entertainment, speaker and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.
Saturday, April 19—Progressive Dinner @ 6-10 PM. Cost: $6.00. Sign up in the north narthex. All adults and guests are welcome. Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area. Also go to http://www.lutherhill.org
* Saturday, April 26—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM). Bring items to Hosanna beginning Wednesday, April 23. Sign up to help on the back of the green "welcome" insert.
Sunday, April 27—Hosanna Choir will perform Vivaldi's Gloria. Note: there will be ONE worship service @10 AM, with Sunday School @ 9-9:45 AM (no Adult Education)
Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting.* Saturday, May 10—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room. Several of you let me know that the book we hoped to discuss at this session ("Consumption", by Kevin Patterson) will not be available in paperback until later this summer. Therefore we will reconsider it this fall.
In the meantime, I think we might have a good discussion if we read a variety of books on the topic of polio, then shared our experiences. Here are a few suggestions. Choose one or more, or another book on the topic:"We Are All Welcome Here" by Elizabeth Berg. This novel, set in Tupelo Mississippi in 1964, traces the struggles of a mother with polio, her black caregiver, and her 14-year-old daughter in a small town impacted by th Civil Rights movement."Polio: an American Story" by David Oshinsky. This is the Pulitzer-Prize winning true story of the terror of the polio epidemic in the 1950's, and the race for a cure."Blue" by Joyce Hostetter. In this young adult novel, a 13-year old girl has to head the family when her father goes off to war in 1944. Her troubles escalate as her young brother dies from polio, and then she herself contracts the disease."Upside of the Downside" by Kent Kloepping. True stories that help us understand the challenges faced by those with physical limitations, and give us insight into the "upside of the downside". --Nancy Agafitei
Sunday, June 8—Congregation Meeting with Election of Officers, followed by Congregation picnic. The council is extending an invitation to anyone to coordinate the food, games and other necessary tasks. Contact Jeff Hartmann if you can help.

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for March 30: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to the April 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 18: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2018;&version=31;

A Little Humor…

Three people died and are standing at the pearly gates of heaven. St. Peter tells them that they can enter the gates if they can answer one simple question. Peter asks the first person, "What is Easter?"
He replies, "Oh, that's easy! It's the holiday in November when everyone gets together, eats turkey, and are thankful..."
"Wrong!," replies Peter, and proceeds to ask the second person the same question, "What is Easter?"
The second one replies, "Easter is the holiday in December when we put up a nice tree, exchange presents, and celebrate the birth of Jesus."
Peter looks at the second person, shakes his head in disgust, tells her she's wrong, and then peers over his glasses at the third person and asks, "What is Easter?"
The third person smiles confidently and looks Peter directly in the eyes, "Easter is a Christian holiday that coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Jesus and his disciples were eating at the last supper and Jesus was later deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. "The Romans took him to be crucified and he was stabbed in the side, made to wear a crown of thorns, and was hung on a cross with nails through his hands. He was buried in a nearby cave which was sealed off by a large boulder." St. Peter smiles broadly with delight. Then he continues, "Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out...and, if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter."

2008-03-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

"I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.” (Psalm 118)

A note from IHN Coordinator Nickie Brooks: Thanks to everyone for making our four guest families feel at home by preparing meals, setting up the rooms and being a welcoming presence during the week.

Reminder about the remaining worship services other events Friday and Saturday:

March 21—Good Friday Sevice @ 7:30 PM (second day of the Triduum or "Three Days"
March 22—Easter Egg Hunt @ 10:30 AM, Confirmation rehearses for Easter Vigil @ 11 AM, Easter Vigil @ 7:30 PM (third day of the Triduum)

Call Committee Update:

As of March 4th, we had completed five in-person interviews. As of March 11, we have it narrowed down to two very strong candidates. There is a small chance that we may be able to present the final candidate during the congregational meeting on April 6th. If not, we will probably schedule a special congregational meeting either later in April or early May. —Jay Rohla

This Sunday, March 23 (Easter Sunday/Resurrection of Our Lord)...

All children are asked to bring a flower on Easter morning to put on the Easter cross.
Pancake breakfast served beginning @ 8 AM; Festival services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM

The Week Ahead...

March 26—Bible Study @ 10 AMMarch 29—You are invited to attend a baby shower for Angela Martin hosted by the Hosanna Women of the ELCA @ 3PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served; Questions or RSVP, contact Heda Christ 281-440-7321.

Looking further into the future... (* indicates a new or changed event)

Sunday, March 30—Senior/Parent Banquet at New Hope Lutheran Church, Missouri City. We are calling all graduating seniors and their parents for a night of food, celebration, conversation and the renewing of our baptismal vows together as a community of faith. This will give high school students an opportunity to talk to college students about what it is like to be in college, and parents an opportunity to talk to parents who have gone through this experience. Fajitas will be served. RSVP Michelle Mote by March 16: (281) 499-7611 or michelle@newhopelc.org.
* Saturday, April 5—Inreach Team meets @ 9-10 AM
Saturday, April 5—Women's Day Retreat on Spirituality at the Kaiserhof in Tomball from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Tuesday, April 1—Seniors Outing to Lutherhill at LaGrange. It's bluebonnet time! Also see Lutherhill's updated facilities. It's more than just a children's camp now. They will prepare a special meal. Total cost is $11.50. See Dorothy Petersen.
Sunday, April 6—Congregation Meeting @ 12:30 PMSaturday, April 12—Inquirer's Retreat, 9:30 AM-2 PM. Lunch will be served. Contact Nita Auer for information.
Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM: General meeting, entertainment, speaker and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.
* Saturday, April 19—Progressive Dinner @ 6 PM
Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area. Also go to http://www.lutherhill.org
* Sunday, April 27—Hosanna Choir will perform Vivaldi's Gloria. Note: there will be ONE worship service @10 AM, with Sunday School @ 9-9:45 AM (no Adult Education
Saturday, May 3—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).
Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting.Sunday, June 8—Congregation Meeting with Election of Officers, followed by Congregation picnic. The council is extending an invitation to anyone to coordinate the food, games and other necessary tasks. Contact Jeff Hartmann if you can help.

Other Items...

Save your egg cartons! Adrianne Alewine requests all your empty egg cartons. Call 281-821-6323. Link to This Week at Hosanna for March 23:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf Link to the March 2008 Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 17: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2017&version=31

Easter Quiz

How the Easter events are recorded in the gospels...

1. Was there a guard at the tomb? a. Yes. MT 27:62-66 b. Apparently not. MK 15:42-16:8, LK 23:50-56, JN 19:38-42c. No guard. The women were planning to anoint the body with spices. MK 16:1-3, LK 24:1

2. Why did the woman/women come to the tomb? a. To anoint the body with spices. MK 16:1-2; LK 24:1b. Just to look. MT 28:1; JN 20:1

3. When did the women obtain the spices? a. On Friday before sunset. LK 23:54-56; 24:1b. After sunset on Saturday. MK 16:1

4. How many and who were the first visitors to the tomb? a. 2: Mary Magdalene & the other Mary. MT 28:1 b. 3: Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, & Salome. MK 16:1c. 5 or more: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women. LK 23:55-24:1, 24:10d. Only 1: Mary Magdalene. JN 20:1

5. What time of day was it when the first visitor(s) arrived. a. Toward dawn. MT 28:1b. After sunrise. MK 16:2c. Early dawn. LK 24:1d.

6. Was there a stone over the entrance to the tomb when the first visitor(s) arrived? a. Yes. It was rolled away later. MT 28:1-2b. No. It had already been rolled or taken away. MK 16:4, LK 24:2, JN 20:1

7. Was there an earthquake? a. Yes. MT 28:2b. Apparently not. MK 16:5, LK 24:2-4, JN 20:12

8. Who else was at the tomb? a. 1 angel who rolled back the stone and then sat on it. MT 28:2b. 1 young man sitting inside the tomb. MK 16:5c. 2 or more men suddenly appear standing inside the tomb. LK 24:2-4d. 2 angels sitting inside the tomb. JN 20:12

9. What did the visitor(s) do immediately thereafter? a. Ran to tell the disciples. MT 28:8b. Said nothing to anyone. MK 16:8c. Told the eleven & all the rest. LK 24:9d. The disciples returned home, Mary remained outside weeping. JN 20:10-11

10. Where were the disciples to first see Jesus? a. In Galilee. MK 16:7; MT 28:7,10,16b. In Jerusalem. MK 16:14; LK 24:33, 36; JN 20:19; AC 1:4

11. By whom were the disciples told that they would meet the risen Jesus in Galilee? a. By the women, who had been told by an angel of the Lord, then by Jesus himself after the Resurrection. MT 28:7-10; MK 16:7b. By Jesus himself, before the Crucifixion. MK 26:32

12. Where was Jesus' very first post-Resurrection appearance? a. Fairly near the tomb. MT 28:8-9 b. In the vicinity of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. LK 24:13-15c. Just outside the tomb. JN 20:13-14

13. To whom did the risen Jesus first appear? a. Mary Magdalene alone. JN 20:14; MK 16:9b. Cleopas and another disciple. LK 24:13, 15, 18c. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. MT 28:1, 9d. Cephas (Peter) alone. 1CO 15:4-5; LK 24:34

14. What was the order of post-Resurrection appearances? a. Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, the eleven. MT 28:1-18b. Mary Magdalene, two others, the eleven. MK 16:9-14c. Two, Simon (Peter?), the eleven. LK 24:15-36d. Mary Magdalene, the disciples without Thomas, the disciples with Thomas, then the eleven again. JN 20:14-21:1e. Cephas (Peter?), the twelve (?--one disciple was dead), 500+ brethren (120 in AC 1:15), James, all the Apostles, Paul. 1CO 15:5-8

15. Did the risen Jesus want to be touched? a. No. JN 20:17b. Yes. JN 20:27c. Did not mind being touched. MT 28:9-10

A Little Humor…

A pastor was speaking to a group of second-graders about the resurrection of Jesus when one student asked, "What did Jesus say right after He came out of the grave?"
The pastor explained that the Gospels do not tell us what He said.
The hand of one little girl shot up. "I know what He said: He said, 'Tah-dah!'"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One Easter Sunday morning as the pastor was preaching a children's sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?" "I know, I know!" a little boy exclaimed, "pantyhose!"

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Reasons to Celebrate Easter

You absolutely love the movie, "The Ten Commandments".
You look really, really good in yellow.
You just went on a low cholesterol diet and didn't want to waste all those eggs in the fridge.
You figure any Holiday that starts with a "Good Friday" can't be all bad.
You love to bite the heads off chocolate bunnies.
You have this bunny suit you love to wear, but are too insecure to wear it without a reason.
You figured since Jesus went to all THAT trouble to make it to the first Easter, you'll give it a shot.
As a Christian you celebrate the resurrection every other day, why not Easter too?

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - March 14, 2007

2008-03-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

"My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” (Psalm 31)

This week we grieve with Russ and Amber Walker over the loss of Russ's mother, Bethan, who passed away last Monday (3/10)

Call Committee Update: As of March 4, we had completed five in-person interviews. One week later, March 11, we have it narrowed down to two very strong candidates. There is a small chance that we may be able to present the final candidate during the congregational meeting on April 6th. If not, we will probably schedule a special congregational meeting either later in April or early May. —Jay Rohla

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 15, Women of the ELCA San Jacinto Cluster Meeting @ 9:15 AM. Registration at Kinsmen Lutheran Church 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston, TX 77066.

Also tomorrow... Deadline for submitting articles for the April Hotline.

A special note of thanks from IHN Coordinator Nickie Brooks: Thanks to everyone for making our guest families feel welcome by preparing meals, setting up the rooms and being a welcoming presence during the week.

This Sunday, March 16 (Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion/Begining of Holy Week)...

Please bring a bag of individually wrapped candy for the Easter egg hunt and place it in the basket by the NAM pantry in the narthex. Confimation class will fill eggs during Sunday School this Sunday (Palm Sunday).
March 16—Sunday of the Passion - Worship services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM; Sunday School will hold a Passover Seder @ 9:30 AM. This Sunday also marks the beginning of IHN Week at Hosanna. Additionally, the Mission of the Month "Noisy Offering" for Lutherhill Campership Fund takes place this Sunday.

The Week Ahead (Holy Week)...

March 18—Spring Break Roller Skating for children and adults of all ages @ 12 – 4 PM at Skate Champions Rollerworld, 5504 Fellowship Lane in Spring, Contact Debbie Rohla for information
March 19—Bible Study @ 10 AM
March 20—Maundy Thursday - Services @ 6:15 (Family) and 7:30 PM; This is the first day of the Triduum (Latin, "three days") which begins the evening of Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday and concludes the eve of Easter Sunday.
March 21—Men of Hosanna Annual Golf Tournament at Fox Creek near Brenham, starting @ 8 AM. Cost for golf and barbeque lunch is $42 per person. Sign-up poster in the North Narthex. Deadline to sign-up and pay fees is Palm Sunday March 16, 2008. See Bob McConnell.
March 21—Prayer Shawl Group meets @ 1 PM. Anyone who enjoys knitting, quilting or crocheting is welcome.
March 21—Good Friday Sevice @ 7:30 PM (second day of the Triduum)
March 22—Easter Egg Hunt @ 10:30 AM, Confirmation rehearsal @ 11 AM, Easter Vigil @ 7:30 PM (third day of the Triduum)
March 23—Easter, Resurrection of our Lord - Pancake breakfast served beginning @ 8 AM; Festival services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM

Looking further into the future...

Saturday, March 29—You are invited to attend a baby shower for Angela Martin hosted by the Hosanna Women of the ELCA @ 3PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served; Questions or RSVP, contact Heda Christ.
New item: Sunday, March 30—Senior/Parent Banquet at New Hope Lutheran Church, Missouri City. We are calling all graduating seniors and their parents for a night of food, celebration, conversation and the renewing of our baptismal vows together as a community of faith. This will give high school students an opportunity to talk to college students about what it is like to be in college, and parents an opportunity to talk to parents who have gone through this experience. Fajitas will be served. RSVP Michelle Mote by March 16: (281) 499-7611 or michelle@newhopelc.org.
Saturday, April 5—Women's Day Retreat on Spirituality at the Kaiserhof in Tomball from 10 AM to 7 PM.
New item: Tuesday, April 1—Seniors Outing to Lutherhill at LaGrange. It's bluebonnet time! Also see Lutherhill's updated facilities. It's more than just a children's camp now. They will prepare a special meal. Total cost is $11.50. See Dorothy Petersen.
Sunday, April 6—Congregation Meeting @ 12:30 PM
Saturday, April 12—Inquirer's Retreat, 9:30 AM-2 PM. Lunch will be served. Contact Nita Auer for information.
Saturday, April 12—Progressive Dinner
Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM: General meeting, entertainment, speaker and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.
Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area. Also go to http://www.lutherhill.org
Saturday, April 26—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM). This is a change from the previously announced date.
Sunday, April 27—Hosanna Choir will perform Vivaldi's Gloria.
Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting.
Sunday, June 8—Congregation Meeting with Election of Officers followed by congregation Picnic. The council is extending an invitation to anyone to coordinate the food, games and other necessary tasks. Contact Jeff Hartmann if you can help.

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for March 16: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to the March 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 16: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2016;&version=31;
Jesus predicts his death (appropriate for Holy Week, although the gospel lesson for Palm Sunday is Matthew 26:14—27:66)

Palm Sunday celebrates the day Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Test your knowledge of that day's events, recorded in the four Gospels. Is each of these statements true or false?

According to the Gospels, the people waved palm branches when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
The date of Jesus' triumphal entry—five days before Passover—was a special Jewish holiday.
By their actions, the people were publicly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
The fact that Jesus rode a donkey portrayed him as a warrior king.
The word "Hosanna!" shouted by the people meant "Praise the Lord!"
The route Jesus chose for his triumphal entry was down the side of Mount Zion.
When the people spread branches and garments in Jesus' path it was to pay him honor.
The shouts of "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" were words from a Jewish hymn.

Answers:

False (Matt. 21:6, Mark 11:8, Luke 19:36, John 12:13). None of the four Gospels say the people "waved" branches but that they spread garments and branches in Jesus' path. Only John mentions palm branches, a tree not native to Jerusalem.
True. It was the day that each Israelite family chose the lamb to sacrifice for Passover on the tenth day of the month. As the people shouted "Hosanna," they didn't realize they were choosing the Lamb of God as their sacrifice.
True. When Solomon was anointed king, he rode into the city on a mule, to the shouts and praises of the people (1 Kings 1:43-45). Zechariah prophesied the Messiah would arrive the same way "gentle and riding on a donkey" (Zech. 9:9).
False. Conquering kings would ride war horses; the donkey symbolized peace and humility (Zech. 9:9, 10). Jesus' entry was a stark contrast to the war-like Romans, whose military presence was very visible.
False. The Hebrew word Halleluia means "praise the Lord;" Hosanna means "save us!" or "save!" The Palm Sunday crowd falsely assumed that Jesus would bring political liberation.
False.The route from Bethphage and Bethany took Jesus over the Mount of Olives offering him an excellent view westward of Jerusalem. According to Zechariah 14:4, Jesus will again stand on the Mount of Olives at his second coming.
True. The people boldly declared that Jesus was their king, an accusation eventually written by Pontius Pilate on the placard above his cross stating his "crime." It was common in Bible times to spread garments in the path of princes and kings, especially at their coronation (see 2 Kings 9:13).
True. The phrases "Hosanna" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" come from Psalm 118: 25-26, one of the "Hallel" or praise psalms (113-118) used every Passover. These Jewish hymns would be as familiar to the Jewish people as Christmas carols are to Christians.

A Little Humor…

It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with a sitter.

When the family returned home, they were carrying palm fronds.

Johnny asked them what they were for.

"People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," his father told him.

"Wouldn't you know it," Johnny fumed, "the one Sunday I don't go and he shows up."

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - March 7, 2008

2008-03-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

"But with you there is forgiveness.” (Psalm 130)

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS THIS WEEKEND. DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT!!!

This Sunday, March 9...

Please bring a bag of individually wrapped candy for the Easter egg hunt and place it in the box in the narthex. Confimation class will fill eggs during Sunday School next Sunday (Palm Sunday).

The CREW would like to thank the congregation for it's incredible support. We have been working hard and it shows. Remember you may join us on March 30 at 7:30 PM at Willowbrook for the final construction of the Taj Mahal. The 2000 cans used will be donated to NAM 's food pantry for the SOS campaign.

The Week Ahead...

Wednesday, March 12—Bible Study @ 10 AM; Soup Supper @ 6 PM and Lenten Service @ 6:45 PM (The last in the series on the Shadows of the Cross) Thanks to everyone who furnished soup, veggies, salads, desserts and drinks. As usual it was all good.

Saturday, March 15—Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM

Saturday, March 15—Deadline for submitting articles for the April Hotline.

Next Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Several important things take place:

March 16—Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion - Worship services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM; Sunday School will hold a Passover Seder @ 9:30 AM. All are welcome to attend, but PLEASE RSVP to Dolores Jaramillo 281-444-8864 (W) or 281-444-4288 (H).

March 16—March 23 - IHN Week at Hosanna (Don't forget to sign-up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert in this Sunday's bulletin. You can also call Nickie Brooks 281-288-6370.)

March 16—Mission of the Month "Noisy Offering" for Lutherhill Campership Fund
Coming Soon...

March 18—Spring Break Roller Skating for children and adults of all ages @ 12 – 4 PM at Skate Champions Rollerworld, 5504 Fellowship Lane in Spring, Contact Debbie Rohla for information

March 20—Maundy Thursday - Services @ 6:15 (Family) and 7:30 PM; the first day of the Triduum (Latin, "three days") which begins the evening of Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday and concludes the eve of Easter Sunday.)

March 21—Men of Hosanna Annual Golf Tournament at Fox Creek near Brenham, starting @ 8 AM. Cost for golf and barbeque lunch is $42 per person. Sign-up poster in the North Narthex. Deadline to sign-up and pay fees is Palm Sunday March 16, 2008. See Bob McConnell.

March 21—Prayer Shawl Group meets @ 1 PM. Anyone who enjoys knitting, quilting or crocheting is welcome.

March 21—Good Friday Sevice @ 7:30 PM (second day of the Triduum)

March 22—Easter Egg Hunt @ 10:30 AM, Confirmation rehearsal @ 11 AM, Easter Vigil @ 7:30 PM (third day of the Triduum)

March 23—Easter, Resurrection of our Lord - Pancake breakfast served beginning @ 8 AM; Festival services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM
As was pointed out in a recent email from Marlo Petersen: Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (March 20).
The dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar used by the Hebrew people to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.
This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! Only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!).
Looking further into the future...

Saturday, March 29—You are invited to attend a baby shower for Angela Martin hosted by the Hosanna Women of the ELCA @ 3PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served; Questions or RSVP, contact Heda Christ 281-440-7321.

New item: Sunday, March 30—Senior/Parent Banquet at New Hope Lutheran Church, Missouri City. We are calling all graduating seniors and their parents for a night of food, celebration, conversation and the renewing of our baptismal vows together as a community of faith. This will give high school students an opportunity to talk to college students about what it is like to be in college, and parents an opportunity to talk to parents who have gone through this experience. Fajitas will be served. RSVP Michelle Mote by March 16: (281) 499-7611 or michelle@newhopelc.org.

Saturday, April 5—Women's Day Retreat on Spirituality at the Kaiserhof in Tomball from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Sunday, April 6—Congregation Meeting @ 12:30 PM

Saturday, April 12—Inquirer's Retreat

Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM: General meeting, entertainment, speaker and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.

Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area.

Sunday, April 27—Hosanna Choir will perform Vivaldi's Gloria

Saturday, May 3—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).

Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting.

Sunday, June 8—Congregation Meeting with election of officers followed by Congregation picnic. The council is extending an invitation to anyone to coordinate the food, games and other necessary tasks.

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for March 9: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Link to the March 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 15: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2015;&version=31; Jesus feeds the 4,000.

A Little Humor…

JESUS' REPORT CARD
Interim Report on student: Yeshua ben Joseph

Religion D
To the question "Who made the world?" persisted in answering 'My
dad'. Claims bible originated from the same source.

History A
Excellent pupil of ancient and religious History.

Social Studies B+
Shows keen interest in social issues.

Mathematics E
Lacks basics. Keeps muttering about 'Three in one' and 'I and the father are one'.

Graphic Communication D
Prefers to draw with a stick in the sand to pencil and paper.

Consumer Education C+
Interesting ideas about alternative life style:
Something about living like sparrows and lilies of the fields...too impractical.

Art Craft B
Obviously has imagination and creativity, a good potter - likes
working with dirt and water.

Material Studies A
Excellent in woodwork section. Obviously receives help and
stimulation at home.

Music/Drama B+
A keen member of the school choir. On occasions can be
frighteningly dramatic.

Community Living A
Keen and interested in all aspects of community.

Physical Education D-
A trouble maker - eg during the learn-to-swim class
insisted on walking across the pool.

Health Classes A
Shows a remarkable aptitude for first aid and knowledge of
the body.

Home Economics A+
This kid really knows how to stretch a loaf of bread and a fish!

CLASS TEACHERS COMMENT:
This boy is seen constantly in the company of the children of publicans and sinners. He needs to be more selective in his choice of friends. Also, he should learn to not wear sandals with the school uniform.

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

Hosanna Cyberfline - February 22, 2008

2008-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95)

This week the Hosanna family grieves with the Harris family (moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania) at the loss of Scott's mother, Faye Harris, who passed away 2-15.

This Sunday, February 24 (Third Sunday in Lent)...

Habitat for Humanity NWHC honors volunteers and donors and breaks ground on the new Habitat property at the corner of Champion Forest and Richey, west of Bammel North Houston. RSVP: 281-820-2307 or development@habitatnwhc.org

The Week Ahead...

Thursday, February 21 - Prayer Shawl Group meets @ 1 PM in the church narthex. The group will meet the third Thursday of the month, same time, same place. Anyone who enjoys knitting, quilting or crocheting is welcome.
Wednesday, February 27 - Bible Study @ 10 AM; Soup Supper prepared by Staff Support @ 6 PM and Lenten Service @ 6:45 PM (This year's Lenten theme: Shadows of the Cross)

Future items…

Now through Sunday, March 2—Art for the Hungry 2008 - CREW will build the "Taj Majal" (change of plans) out of 1,000 canned goods at Willowbrook Mall. Please donate canned goods with white or neutral labels to the CREW room. You may also make a cash donation. All cans will be donated to NAM's SOS food drive.
Saturday, March 1—The Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) is hosting a LUTHERAN COLLEGE FAIR from 1:30-3 PM at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow, 3000 North Loop West, Houston. Representatives from ALL the Lutheran colleges in the United States will be on hand to talk to students about admissions, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. RSVP Amber for transportation.
Friday, March 7—Senior’s Outing: Houston Folk Art Tour, Part B, led by researcher/historian Keith Rosen. The tour includes Emancipation Park, project row houses and wall murals, double-decker outhouse, metal warrior and more. Leave Hosanna at 8:15 AM. Cost: $17/pereson. Lunch (extra) is at Cleburne’s Cafeteria on Bissonnet. Sign up in the narthex.
Saturday, March 8—Yard Team “A” - Dejmal, Sales, T. Smith, Oden Walden, C. Jones
Sunday, March 9—Note; the Congregation Meeting scheduled for this date has been moved to April 6.
Saturday, March 15 @ 6 PM—Hosanna Book Discussion
March 20—Maundy Thursday Services @ 6:15 (Family) and 7:30 PM (Contact the church office if you would like to participate in the foot-washing portion of this service.)
March 21—Good Friday - Sevice @ 7:30 PM
March 22—Easter Vigil @ 7:30 PM
March 23—Easter, Resurrection of our Lord - Easter pancake breakfast served beginning @ 8 AM; Festival services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM

Looking further into the future...

Saturday, April 5—Women's Day Retreat on Spirituality at the Kaiserhof in Tomball from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Sunday, April 6—Congregation meeting (moved from previous date)
Saturday, April 19—Hosanna Women of the ELCA Annual Spring Fling @ 9-11 AM:
General meeting, entertainment, speaker and a delicious brunch prepared and served by the Men of Hosanna.
Friday, April 25 @ 8 AM—7th Annual Lutherhill Golf Tournament at Longwood Golf Club, Cypress, TX. All entries must be submitted by April 21. Entry forms are available in the south entrance area.
Saturday, May 3—Annual Garage Sale to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).
Sunday, May 4—Council Meeting (changed from previously announced date)
Sunday, June 8—Congregation Meeting with Election of Officers, followed by Congregation Picnic. The council is extending an invitation to anyone to coordinate the food, games and other necessary tasks. Contact the church office.

Other Items...

Link to This Week at Hosanna for February 24: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Link to the February 2008 Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 13: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2013&version=31 A series of parables this week.

A Little Humor…

More bulletin bloopers...

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 pm - prayer and medication to follow.
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use back door.
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The Congregation is invited to attend this tragedy..
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours."

Dale Bargman, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - February 8, 2008

2008-02-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51)

Saturday, February 9 - WELCA Valentine's Breadkfast

This Sunday, February 10 (First Sunday in Lent)

Classical guitarist Stephen Bright is a special guest at 11 AM worship.

Also this coming Sunday: NAM's 25th Anniversary Interfaith Service @ 3:30 PM. at Cypress Creek Christian Church, 6823 Cypresswood Dr. Refreshments will be served following the service.

February 10 - March 2 - Art for the Hungry 2008 - CREW is building the "Colosseum" out of 1,000 canned goods at Willowbrook Mall. Please donate cash (prefefably) or canned goods with white or neutral labels to the CREW room. All cans will be donated to NAM's SOS food drive.

The Week Ahead...
Tuesday, February 12 - Senior's Outing: Lunch and Concert
Tuesday, February 12 - WELCA Board Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Wednesday, February 13 - Bible Study @ 10 AM; Soup Supper prepared by the Discipleship Team @ 6 PM and Lenten Worship @ 6:45 PM
Friday, February 15 - Deadline for registering your children for Summer camp at Lutherhill. Youngins, Yearlins, and Alpha will attend Lutherhill August 3-8. Print and complete the registration form (see link on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com and give to Amber by February 15 with a deposit check for $85 See Amber for more info.
Friday, February 15 - Deadline for submitting March Hotline (Hosanna monthly newsletter) articles. Hotline will be mailed February 22nd.
Saturday, February 16 - 2008 TELLing Synod’s Annual Men's Gathering
at Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker-Cypress Rd., Houston.
Cost: $25 per person (ages 14-104).
RSVP: Pastor Brian Gigee brian@newlifelutheran.com or
Velon Burnett myburnett@sbcglobal.net.
More information: www.gulfcoastmeninmission.com
Saturday, February 16 - A Gift of Hope—12th Annual Interfaith Quilting Bee, 9 AM-1 PM: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6535 Kleinwood Drive.
Sunday, February 17 - Inquirers Gathering in the Conference Room. Contact Nita at the church office: 281-440-6890. All members are invited, too.
Other Items…
Sunday, March 9 - Congregation Meeting
Tuesday, February 19 - Men of Hosanna Annual Bar B-Q at Hosanna @ 6:30 PM, followed by assembly of Care Packages for college students, graduating high shool seniors and those in the military and Peace Corps. Cost: $8.50 in advance. Sign up in the narthex. Contributions are still needed for this project. Place cash or checks (made out to Men of Hosanna), place in white envelope and give to Bob McConnell.
Lent and Holy Week at Hosanna
Wednesdays during Lent (beginning February 13): Soup Supper @ 6 PM; Lenten Service @ 6:45 PM
March 16 - Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion - Worship services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM
March 16 - March 23 - IHN Week at Hosanna (Look for the sign-up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert in the Sunday bulletins over the coming weeks)
March 20 - Maundy Thursday services @ 6:15 (Family) and 7:30 PM
March 21 - Good Friday sevice @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 22 - Easter Vigil @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 23 - Easter, Resurrection of our Lord - Festival services @ 8, 9:30, 11 AM

Yard Volunteers are needed each weekend in February and March to prepare the beds for laying sod. This includes: raising sprinkler heads, removing unwanted trees and plants, re-laying brick pavers to help with drainage and shaping the beds for the sod to be placed. Everyone is the congregation is invited to help including men, women, CREW, Confirmation and youth. See the sign up sheets in the north narthex. Let's all pitch in and get our grounds ready for more sod.
Mowing teams are looking for more volunteers. Can you help mow the grounds once every other month? Then, see Bob Dejmal and he'll put you on a team with 4 or 5 other people.

Link to This Week at Hosanna for February 10: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Link to the February 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Your weekly reading is Matthew 11: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011;&version=31;
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

A Little Humor…

A child was watching his mother sift through and delete a long list of junk E-mail on the computer screen.
"This reminds me of the Lord's Prayer," the child said.
"What do you mean?" the mother asked.
"You know. That part about 'deliver us from E-mail."

Two priests die at the same time and meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.
St. Peter says, "I'd like to get you guys in now but our computers are down. You'll have to go back to Earth for about a week, but you can't go back as humans. What'll it be?"

The first priest says, "I've always wanted to be an eagle, soaring above the Rocky Mountains."

"So be it," says St. Peter, and off flies the first priest.

The second priest mulls this over for a moment and asks, "Will you be keeping track of us, St. Peter ?"

"No, I told you the computer is down. There's no way we can keep track of what you are doing. This week's a freebie."

"In that case," says the second priest, "I've always wanted to be a stud."

"So be it," says St. Peter, and the second priest disappears.

A week goes by, the computer is fixed and the Lord tells St. Peter to recall the two priests.
"Will you have trouble locating them?" He asks.

"The first one should be easy," says St. Peter. "He's somewhere over the Rocky Mountains, flying with the eagles. But the second one could prove to be more difficult."

"Why?" asks the Lord.

"Because he's on a snow tire somewhere in Alaska."

Hosanna Cyberline - February 1, 2008

2008-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (from Psalm 32)

This week we mourn the loss of our beloved Mary Lou Stahl, wife of Carmine, whose funeral service took place yesterday at Hosanna. Her obituary was printed in the Wednesday, January 30 Houston Chronicle, B7.

This Sunday, February 3 (Transfiguration of our Lord)

It is also Super Bowl Sunday… Let’s Wing It! CREW fundraiser featuring Tripp Smith’s famous Buffalo Wings. $12 per dozen; $7 per jar of Tripp’s special sauce.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, February 6 - Ash Wednesday: Family service @ 6:15 and Traditional worship @ 7:30 PM.
Saturday, February 9 - All women of Hosanna are invited to the annual WELCA Valentine's breakfast and general meeting, 9-10:30 AM at R.J. Goodies Confections, 17297 Stuebner Airline Rd., Spring, 281 376 4554. Deadline to purchase tickets ($10 each) is February 3. See Heda Christ.
Saturday, February 9 - Yard Team “D”: King, D. Brown, S. McVay, Kemper, R. Walker
Saturday, February 9 - Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Conference Room. The title to be discussed is "River God: a novel of ancient Egypt " by Wilbur Smith."
Sunday, February 10 - Sunday, March 2 - Art for the Hungry 2008 - CREW is building the "Colosseum" out of 1,000 canned goods. Please donate canned goods with white or neutral labels to the CREW room. You may also make a cash donation. All cans will be donated to NAM's SOS food drive.
Friday, February 15 - Deadline for registering your children for camp. Youngins, Yearlins, and Alpha will attend Lutherhill August 3-8. Print and complete the registration form (see link on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com and give to Amber by February 15 with a deposit check for $85 See Amber for more info.
Friday, February 15 - Deadline for submitting March Hotline (Hosanna monthly newsletter) articles. Anything submitted after this date will not be included.
Saturday, February 16 - 2008 TELLing Synod’s Annual Men's Gathering
at Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker-Cypress Rd., Houston.
The day will be filled with fellowship, learning and worship.
David Murrow, author of the best-seller, “Why Men Hate Going to Church” will be the morning keynote speaker.
Bishop Mike Rinehart will preach for worship;
Special music by Peter Mayer, Lutheran singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist for the Jimmy Buffet Band.
Cost: $25 per person (ages 14-104).
RSVP: Pastor Brian Gigee brian@newlifelutheran.com or
Velon Burnett myburnett@sbcglobal.net.
More information: www.gulfcoastmeninmission.com
Sunday, February 17 - Inquirers Gathering, for those considering membership, in the Conference Room. Contact Nita at the church office.
Other Items…

Mark these dates:

Sunday, March 9 - Congregation Meeting
Wednesdays during Lent (beginning February 13): Soup Supper @ 6 PM; Lenten Service @ 6:45 PM
Sunday, March 16 - Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion
March 16 - March 23 - IHN Week at Hosanna (Look for the sign-up on the back of the green "Welcome" insert in the Sunday bulletins)
Thursday, March 20 - Maundy Thursday
Friday, March 21 - Good Friday
Saturday, March 22 - Easter Vigil
Sunday, March 23 - Easter/Resurrection of our Lord (Easter breakfast and festival services)
Other Items...

Yard Volunteers are needed each weekend in February and March to prepare the beds to be laid with sod. This includes: raising sprinkler heads, removing unwanted trees and plants, re-laying brick paver to help with drainage and shaping the beds for the sod to be placed. Everyone is the congregation is invited to help including men, women, CREW, Confirmation and youth. See the sign up sheets in the north narthex. Let's all pitch in and get our grounds ready for more sod!
Mowing teams are looking for more volunteers. Can you help mow the grounds once every other month? Then, see Bob Dejmal and he'll put you on a team with 4 or 5 other people
The Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County ReStore is a retail outlet that handles donated building materials, construction supplies, appliances, and furniture which are then offered to the general public at greatly reduced prices. The ReStore is open Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm. A key goal of the ReStore is to re-cycle and thus reduce the amount of solid waste placed into our vital landfills. Please keep the ReStore in mind for both donations and for purchases. Donation pick-up is available for large items or large quantities. All of the proceeds are used by Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing for deserving families. Visit the ReStore at 13572 State Hwy 249 at Bammel North-Houston or call 832-327-1120.
Help Wanted: Our synod office is looking for part-time volunteer receptionists. Must be friendly, patient and interested in learning new things! Available openings are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, 10 am to 3 pm. Lunch will be reimbursed. Contact Lucia Morales at 281-873-5665 for more information.
New NAM Volunteer Opportunities for 2008*
*in addition to those currently available at http://www.namonline.org.
NAM Volunteer Orientation required. Please see website for information or call
281-885-4565 for a recorded message regarding orientation dates and times.
Rotary Learning Center needs receptionists in February for class registration. Contact Linda at 281-885-4626 for more info.
Shelter and Energy (SEA) needs volunteers to assist the elderly and disabled in filling out the CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) applications. Contact Debbie at 281-885-4526.
Help packing frozen meals on Fridays for Saturday distribution. Contact Cheryl in MOW at 281-885-4622.
Thursday afternoon MOW drivers needed at Prince of Peace. Contact Cheryl in MOW at 281-885-4622.
Business Office seeks volunteers to schedule NAM trucks for donation pick-ups. Contact Gloria in the Business Office at 281-885-4585 for more info.
Development seeks accurate typists for donation data entry. Contact Jamie at 281-885- 4609 for more info.
Professionals needed to contact decision makers at area businesses to schedule NAM tours, etc. Contact Julie at 281-885-4534 for more info.

Link to This Week at Hosanna for February 3: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Link to the February 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

Your weekly reading is Matthew 10: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010&version=31
Jesus instructs his disciples.

A Little Humor…

John was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, he was standing outside in his back yard grilling a big juicy steak on his grill. Meanwhile, all of his neighbors were eating cold tuna fish for supper. This continued on each Friday throughout Lent.

On the last Friday of Lent, the neighborhood men got together and decided that something had to be done about John. He was tempting them to eat meat each Friday of Lent, and they couldn't take it anymore. They would try and convert John to Catholicism. They all spoke to him and were so happy when he chose to join his neighbors and become a Catholic. They took him to Church, and the Priest sprinkled some water over him, and said,

"You were born a Baptist,
you were raised a Baptist,
and now you are a Catholic."

Everyone was happy. The biggest Lenten temptation in their neighborhood was resolved.

A year passed and the Lenten season again rolled around. On the first Friday of Lent the neighbors sat down for their fish dinners. But the tantalizing aroma of steak on a grill came wafting through the air. The neighbors could not believe their noses! WHAT WAS GOING ON?

They called each other up and decided to meet over in John's yard to see if he had forgotten it was the first Friday of Lent?

The men looked toward John's house and saw John standing over his grill with a small pitcher of water. He was sprinkling water over his grilled steak, saying:

"You were born a cow,
you were raised a cow,
and now you are a fish."

Hosanna Cyberfline - January 18, 2008

2008-01-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

“Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us.” (from Psalm 40)

This Sunday, January 20…

Thanks to Rev. John Boldt, representative of the ELCA Stewardship Team, for his special message on the “Joy of Giving.”

Also this Sunday - Mission of the Month noisy offering for the Schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran denomination in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran church in the Middle East. Our gifts will continue to make education an opportunity for many children, for example: $20 covers the tuition of one child for one week; $70 continues support for one month and $420 supports that child for six months. Please pull out any loose change and deposit it in the buckets during the offering.

Next Sunday, January 27…

Come to the Consecration Celebration Potluck after the 11AM service. Meat, bread, and drinks provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Also next Sunday - An NCD (Natural Church Development) Special Event, 4-8 PM - “Experiencing God in New Ways.” Pastor Kerry Nelson from Covenant Lutheran Church will lead us through these experiences. A soup supper will be served. Sign up in the Narthex.

Other Items:

FYI… Lent begins very early this year. Ash Wednesday is February 6; Easter is March 23!

February 3 - Let’s Wing It! - CREW fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday featuring Tripp Smith’s famous Buffalo Wings. $12 per dozen; $7 per jar of Tripp’s special sauce. Sign up on the green “Welcome” sheet or the poster in the narthex.

Saturday, February 9 - All women of Hosanna are invited to the annual WELCA Valentine's breakfast and general meeting, 9-10:30 AM at R.J. Goodies Confections, 17297 Stuebner Airline Rd., Spring, 281 376 4554. Deadline to purchase tickets ($10 each) is February 3. See Heda Christ.

Saturday, February 9 – Hosanna Book Discussion @ 6 PM in the Conference Room. The title to be discussed is "River God: a novel of ancient Egypt " by Wilbur Smith."

Friday, February 15 – Deadline for registering your children for camp. Youngins, Yearlins, and Alpha will attend Lutherhill August 3-8. Print and complete the registration form (see link on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com) and give to Amber by February 15 with a deposit check for $85. See Amber for more info.

Saturday, February 16 - TELLing Synod’s Annual Men's Gathering
at Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker-Cypress Rd.

The day will be filled with fellowship, learning and worship.
David Murrow, author of the best-seller, “Why Men Hate Going to Church” will be the morning keynote speaker.
Bishop Mike Rinehart will preach for worship;
Special music by Peter Mayer, Lutheran singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist for the Jimmy Buffet Band.
Cost: $25 per person (ages 14-104).
RSVP: Pastor Brian Gigee brian@newlifelutheran.com or
Velon Burnett myburnett@sbcglobal.net.
More information: www.gulfcoastmeninmission.com
Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for January 20: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the January 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

The February Hotline is scheduled to be mailed next week.

Your weekly reading is Matthew 7: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%207&version=31
This is the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount.

A Little Humor…When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use, Grandpa. The mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

Hosanna Cyberfline - January 13, 2008

2008-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (from Psalm 29)

Link to This Week at Hosanna for January 13: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Link to the January 2008 Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

For those reading the book of Matthew, the weekly reading is Matthew 6: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206;&version=31;
This chapter includes the Lord’s Prayer and the words “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”

This week…

Sunday, January 13 - The Baptism of Jesus. We will affirm our baptisms.

Also, Annual Congregation Meeting immediately following 11 AM worship. A brief call committee update, review of annual reports and servant awards are on the agenda. This is not a potluck.

January Items:

January 15 - Reminder that all articles for the February Hotline should be submitted no later than January 15. All items received after that date will not be included in the February Hotline.

Saturday, January 19 - All women of Hosanna are invited to a baby shower for Alysha Reed from 2 - 4 PM at Hosanna. Please call Ann Zillmer: 936-446-1216 or 281-796-8981 if you will be attending.

Saturday January 19 - All men, mark your calendars for the annual Men of Hosanna Breakfast at Luby’s Cafeteria on FM 1960, across from Pappa’s Bar-B-Q. Cost: $7 in advance payable to Rollie Lund or Bob McConnell. Add your name to the sign-up sheet that in the North narthex. Bring a friend and have a real good time getting to know the Men of Hosanna. Come early. Coffee is at 7:45 AM; breakfast is at 8 and the meeting will be over by 10 AM.

Sunday, January 27 - Potluck. Hosanna’s annual January stewardship emphasis will focus on the “Joy of Giving.”

Sunday, January 27 - Please join us for a Natural Church Development (NCD) event on from 4:00-8:00 PM. We will be Experiencing God In New Ways with Pastor Kerry Nelson of Covenant Lutheran Church. A soup supper will be served. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex (so we know how much soup to make) or e-mail Lorraine Moore at pennsigirl@gmail.com. Please let us know if you need child care. The team is suggesting an offering of $5.00 to help cover the cost of the event.

February Items...

February 3 - Super Bowl Sunday: Let’s Wing It! CREW fundraiser featuring Tripp Smith’s famous Buffalo Wings. $12 per dozen; $7 per jar of Tripp’s special sauce. Sign up in the narthex.

FYI… Lent begins early this year. Ash Wednesday is February 6; Easter is March 23!

Saturday, February 9 - Hosanna Book Discussion group... Note the date change. The title to be discussed is "River God: a novel of ancient Egypt " by Wilbur Smith." Time is 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room.

February 15 - Deadline for 2008 Camp Registration. Youngins, Yearlins, and Alpha will attend Lutherhill August 3-8. To register your child, print and complete the individual registration form here: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/2008_camp_registration_form.pdf or on the Hosanna website (click the "Youth" link on the home page) and give to Amber with a deposit check for $85. See Amber for more info.

Saturday, February 16 - 2008 TELLing Synod’s Annual Men's Gathering
Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker-Cypress Rd., Houston. The day will be filled with fellowship, learning and worship. David Murrow, author of the best-seller, “Why Men Hate Going to Church” will be the morning keynote speaker.Bishop Mike Rinehart will preach for worship; Special music by Peter Mayer, Lutheran singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist for the Jimmy Buffet Band. Cost: $25 per person (ages 14-104). RSVP: Pastor Brian Gigee brian@newlifelutheran.com or Velon Burnett myburnett@sbcglobal.net.More information: www.gulfcoastmeninmission.com

A Little Humor

The Stewardship Team would like to start it out on a light note by following the lead of a late night talk show host who often presents his “Top Ten” lists.

THE TOP TEN THINGS YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD IN CHURCH

10. Pastor, we’d like to send you to a Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
9. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
8. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.
7. I’ve decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
6. Forget the denominational minimum salary. Let’s pay our pastor so he can live as well as we do.
5. Since we’re all here, let’s start the service early.
4. I was so enthralled; I never noticed the sermon went 40 minutes over time.
3. Hey! It’s my turn to sit in the front pew.
2. I love it when we sing hymns I’ve never heard before!
1. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment more than our annual Stewardship campaign!

It is the hope of the Stewardship Team that you consider how your giving brings harmony and joy to your life as a Christian. We hope that you will think more about ministry and less about money; more about your need to give, and less about Hosanna’s need to receive; more about the joy of giving, and less about the duty to give.

We also hope that by February we WILL hear in church that nothing has inspired you and strengthened your commitment to ministry more than our annual stewardship campaign.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - December 21, 2007

2007-12-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (from Psalm 42)

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for December 23: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

This year, the gospel lessons are mostly from Matthew. You are invited to read a chapter per week. Here is a link to chapter 3 on BibleGateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%203&version=31

This is the story of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Archaeologists have discovered the very place where it is thought John baptized Jesus. The gospel of John calls it “Bethany beyond the Jordan.” Today it is called Tell el-Kharrar, and it is located on the east side of the Jordan, not far from Jericho. For more information and photos, click this link (part of the Hosanna website): http://www.welcometohosanna.com/LIFE_OF_JESUS/14baptism.htm

Update from Pastor Bill: Kathleen is laying, fully dressed, complete with Santa hat, in the hospital bed chatting with Nurse Maria. All the doctors have been in to give prescriptions, instructions and the OK to go home. Kathleen's arthritis symptoms have now subsided as they resumed her previous regimen of arthritis medication. So she's moving easily and pain-free, although a little slower. But she's chatty and chirpy, highly motivated, and keeping her eye on the prize of HOME. We are confident that her energy will not only return, but be even better now that the TICKER is working better !

So, let me say once more, ever more, and again, THANK YOU ALL for your prayers, good and kind thoughts, concern, support, and gifts in this our twenty-four (24) day journey.

Sunday, December 23 the CBS television network will air a two-hour prime time program entitled "In God's Name." This special will feature extraordinary footage of 12 of the world's most influential religious leaders, including our very own Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and president of the Lutheran World Federation. Tune in at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific), 8:00 p.m. (Central) as these diverse and powerful voices offer provocative, compelling and enlightening perspectives on issues in our post-9/11 world, including the rise of terrorism, fanaticism, intolerance and war. For more information go to http://www.elca.org/ingodsname .

Christmas week at Hosanna… Line up of services on Christmas Eve, Monday December 24:

4:30 PM - Family Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
7 PM - Festival Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
9:30 PM - Christmas Eve Contemporary Service with Holy Communion and Candlelight

No Weekly Bible study December 26 or January 2 Other items…
Year-end reports are due: Reminder to all Hosanna officers, team leaders and staff to submit your year-end reports no later than Monday, December 31. Email them to debbie.rohla@welcometohosanna.com.
Hosanna Book Discussion group - Next meeting is Saturday, January 26, 6 PM in the Hosanna Conference Room. The title to be discussed is "River God: a novel of ancient Egypt " by Wilbur Smith.
An NCD (Natural Church Development) Special Event: January 27— Pastor Kerry Nelson of Covenant Lutheran Church will lead us through “Experiencing God in New Ways.” Watch for more information in “This Week at Hosanna” and the “Hosanna Weekly Cyberline.”
Announcing the 2008 TELLing Synod’s Annual Men's Gathering
Saturday, February 16 at Covenant Lutheran Church,
3785 Barker-Cypress Rd., Houston.
The day will be filled with fellowship, learning and worship.
David Murrow, author of the best-seller, “Why Men Hate Going to Church” will be the morning keynote speaker.
Bishop Mike Rinehart will preach for worship;
Special music by Peter Mayer, Lutheran singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist for the Jimmy Buffet Band.
Cost: $25 per person (ages 14-104).
RSVP: Pastor Brian Gigee brian@newlifelutheran.com or Velon Burnett myburnett@sbcglobal.net.
More information: www.gulfcoastmeninmission.com
Let’s wing it! On Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, CREW will again be fixing batches of Tripp Smith’s Famous Buffalo Wings. Get your taste-buds ready.

A Little More Christmas Humor:

Southern Wise MenIn a small southern town there was a "Nativity Scene" that showed great skill and talent had gone into creating it. One small feature bothered me. The three wise men were wearing firemen's helmets.

Unable to come up with an explanation, I asked the lady behind the counter about the helmets. She smiled at me and said, "You darn Yankees never do read the Bible!"

I assured her that I did, but simply couldn't recall anything about firemen in the Bible.

She jerked her Bible from behind the counter and ruffled thru some pages, and jabbed her finger at a passage. Holding it up to my face she said "See, it says right here, 'The three wise man came from afar.'"

A blessed Christmas to everyone. Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - December 14, 2007

2007-12-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” (from Psalm 146)

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for December 16: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf
Here is the link to the December Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
Note: the Deadline for submitting items for the January Hotline is December 15.
This year, the gospel lessons are mostly from Matthew. You are invited to read a chapter per week. Here is a link to chapter 2 on BibleGateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%202&version=31
This is the dramatic account of the coming of the Magi and the paranoid Jewish ruler, Herod, who seeks to eliminate a potential rival. But Herod was seriously ill at the time and died soon after.
Here is link to a National Geographic article, with photo, about the recent discovery of Herod’s tomb at the Herodion, a hilltop fortress not far from Bethlehem. It only took 2000 years to find it! http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/05/070508-herod-photos.html
Here’s a link to a U-tube video featuring stills from the movie “Nativity Story” paired with “Joseph’s Song” by Michael Card. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BARVAg0gl6w Read Matthew 1:18-25 while listening to the music. It’s especially meaningful for us fathers and grandfathers.

This week…

Rehearsals for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve children’s service have begun... Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the children's choir room. All children grades pre-k through 6th grade are invited to sing! See you there!
Hosanna’s next IHN rotation begins this Sunday, December 16—Sunday, December 23. Our guests will be staying at the InTown Suites, not at the church. Lunch ingredients are still needed, as is a driver for the truck. Contract Nickie Brooks.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker…

Confirmation Christmas Party this Saturday, December 15 @ 3 PM at Main Event, 19441 I-45 North, Shenandoah, TX (near The Woodlands). Contact Theresa White for information.
College Student Get-together—You have been missed! Please join Amber December 18 from 7-8 PM for coffee and conversation in Classroom 5. She wants to hear all about what you have been doing.

Other items...

Let’s wing it! On Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, CREW will again be fixing batches of Tripp Smith’s Famous Buffalo Wings. Tell your taste-buds to get ready.
The new 2008 Altar Flower sign up has been posted on the bulletin board in the north entrance area.

Line up of services on Christmas Eve, Monday December 24:

4:30 PM - Family Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
7 PM - Festival Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
9:30 PM - Christmas Eve Contemporary Service with Holy Communion and Candlelight

Two last minute prayers to add to the list in This Week as Hosanna:

The latest (as of Thurs.) on Kathleen Schwertlich from Pastor Bill: At about 2:20 this afternoon the Drs. determined that Kathleen could go to a regular hospital room! Thank God! She's now in Dunn Building, D-908. Room phone number is: 713-790-6690. Her heart rate has been staying in a good range. She still has the trachea tube (no word on when that might come out). She's tired from the extra activity of walking, etc. Yet, even with the weariness of the length and rigor of her hospital stay, she continues to be grateful for so many things.
Katherine King, mother of Bill King, passed away 12-10. The King’s are driving to Colorado. Pray not only for the King family, but for safe travel for Bill and Sue.

A Little Christmas Humor...

If athletes get athlete's foot, astronauts get missile toe.
A bird dog could be called a point setter.
James Fenimore Cooper wrote about the life of Santa Claus in his novel The Deer Sleigher.
A Christmas quiz:
On December 24, Adam's wife was known as ________________. A: Christmas Eve
In Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge was visited by the ghost of ________________. A: Christmas Present.
An opinion survey in Alaska is called a ____________. A: North Poll.
What does Santa Claus do with his three gardens? A: Hoe, Hoe, Hoe.
What Christmas message is conveyed by these letters?: ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. A: Noel, Noel (no “L” in each alphabet)
When the salt and the pepper say "Hi!" to each other, they are passing on __________. A: seasons' greetings.
A quiet medieval armor-wearer is a _______________. A: silent knight.
A cat walking on the desert is bound to get _____________. A: sandy claws.
What do Spanish sheep says when they wish each other a Merry Christmas? _______________. A: Fleece Navidad!

Bye until next week,
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - December 7, 2007

2007-12-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

“I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” (Romans 14:14)

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for December 9: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

This year, the gospel lessons are taken primarily from Matthew. You are invited to read a chapter per week. Here is a link to chapter 1 on BibleGateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201;&version=31;
Don’t rush through the genealogy. Here is a link to a Bible Encyclopedia to check out the backgrounds of some of Jesus’ ancestors: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/home.html

This week…

This Sunday @ 12:30 PM, is the Seniors (50+) Christmas Potluck.
Also this Sunday: Deadline for returning NAM Holiday Toy Drive bags.
This Sunday: The Men of Hosanna help CREW pack the Seafarer’s Christmas Boxes @ 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks Hosanna! You contributed $1,428; Thrivent contributed another $1,400 for a total of $2,828, enough to fill 105 boxes. (There were 96 last year.) About 8 more men are needed @ 5:15 PM to help organize materials, fill boxes and clean up afterward. Please sign up in the Narthex.
Rehearsals for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve children’s service have begun... Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the children's choir room. All children grades pre-k through 6th grade are invited to sing! See you there!
Hosanna Book Discussion, Saturday, December 15 @ 6 PM in the Conference Room, for a discussion of the medical thriller Crisis, by Robin Cook.
Saturday, December 15—Deadline for January Hotline Submissions
Hosanna’s next IHN rotation is Sunday, December 16—Sunday, December 23. Our guests will be staying at the InTown Suites, not at the church. See the back of the green “Welcome” insert to sign up to provide meals, juice and milk. Some dates are still open, especially for lunch ingredients.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker…

Confirmation Christmas Party—December 15 @ 3 PM at Main Event, 19441 I-45 North, Shenandoah, TX (near The Woodlands). Contact Theresa White for information.
College Student Get Together—We have missed you! Please join Amber December 18 from 7-8 PM for coffee and conversation in Classroom 5. I want to hear all about what you have been doing.

Other items…

Good news about the missing steam cleaner... Debbie informed me that it has been returned. Thank you.
Line up of services on Christmas Eve, Monday December 24:
4:30 PM - Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight-Child Friendly
7 PM - Festival Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
9:30 PM - Christmas Eve Contemporary Service with Holy Communion and Candlelight

A Little Humor:

Top Ten Uses for Fruitcake

10. Use slices to balance that wobbly kitchen table.

9. Use instead of sand bags during El Nino.

8. Send to U.S. Air Force, let troops drop them.

7. Use as railroad ties.

6. Use as speed bumps to foil the neighborhood drag racers.

5. Collect ten and use them as bowling pins.

4. Use instead of cement shoes.

3. Save for next summer's garage sale.

2. Use slices in next skeet-shooting competition.

1. Two words: pin cushion.

Remember Pearl Harbor and all our veterans who served and are serving.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communictions

2007-11-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

Let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:13-14)

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for December 2: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

I want to pass along part of an emaile from Pastor Bill I received this morning (with his permission): "I saw Kathleen again at the 6:00 a.m. visiting time. Most everything is the same as we left it last night. She was, however, able to crack her eyes open when I spoke to her, signaling some awareness, however vague. I gently began telling her the things I anticipate she would be wondering if at all aware - - mainly that her heart operation was successful, that it's Friday, that she's having a swelling problem, still in ICU, the trachea tube, etc."

Bill has email access at the hospital. Here is his address:

William Schwertlich swordly@sbcglobal.net

Highlights for the week ahead…

December 2 is the First Sunday in Advent leading up to Christmas. We look forward to a visit from St. Nicholas of Myra with a message for the children about anonymous giving to others in times of need.
Speaking of St. Nicholas, here’s a neat website about all things St. Nicholas for kids: http://www.stnicholascenter.org
Try this page, too. It’s an online coloring book. http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=424
Congregation meeting AND POTLUCK is THIS Sunday, December 2, after 11 AM worship.

Other items…

One of the church’s two new Bissell Carpet Cleaners is missing. If anyone has borrowed it, please return it ASAP.
Next Sunday, December 9 @ 12:30 PM, is the Seniors (50+) Christmas Dinner. Sign up with your choice of food to bring. So far 30 are signed up.
Confirmation Christmas Party—December 15 @ 3 PM at Main Event, 19441 I-45 North, Shenandoah, TX (near The Woodlands). Contact Theresa White for information.
Rehearsals for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve children’s service have begun... Sundays @ 9 AM in the children's choir room. All children grades pre-k through 6th grade are invited to sing!
The Kempers extend an invitation to join them for some Ballroom Dancing, Saturday, December 15, 8:30 p.m. at the Chandelier Ballroom in the Heights, with Ed Gerlach and his big band music. Join the Christmas festivities! For Reservations: Call Earl and Dottie Kemper (832-229-4385) Cost: $12/person. Seating is limited.
Hosanna’s next IHN rotation is Sunday, December 16 - Sunday, December 23. Our guests will be staying at the In Town Suites, not the church. Meals need to be prepared and delivered to In Town December 16, 17 and 18. Drivers are needed for the truck and van December 16. See the back of the green “Welcome” insert to sign up.
Line up of services on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24:
4:30 PM - Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight-Child Friendly
7 PM - Festival Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
9:30 PM - Christmas Eve Contemporary Service with Holy Communion and Candlelight

Family Life notes from Amber Walker…

College Student Get Together - We have missed you! Please join Amber on December 18 from 7-8 pm for coffee and conversation. I want to hear all about what you have been doing.

Lastly, this from Lois Heckart: Please share with congregation our thanks for the many acts of kindness shown to my dad, Cecil Young, regarding his recent surgery. He was very pleased with his prayer shawl and the cards from all including “The Men of Hosanna”. He has looked at the cards several times. He is progressing well but still on restricted activity (but hard to keep down).

A Little Humor:

Six reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:

Men can't pack a bag.
Men would rather be dead than be caught wearing red velvet.
Men would feel their masculinity is threatened by having to hang out with all those elves.
Men don't answer their mail.
Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described as resembling a "bowlful of jelly."
Then there’s that old thing about men and directions. What if he got lost on Christmas Eve?

One more for good measure:

What do you call Santa's helpers?
Subordinate Clauses.

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - November 23, 2007

2007-11-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea. (from Psalm 46)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We smoked our turkey for the first time and it was delicious.

I’m happy and relieved to report that Hosanna’s Internet service was restored this past Monday morning. We had to purchase a new modem, but it includes secured wireless access. If you need to connect to it with your laptops for a meeting, contact me to get the numerical code. I wasn't’t able to upload last week’s This Week at Hosanna to the website until late Monday.

Thanks to everyone for submitting their Hotline articles on time. I was able to put everything in place by Tuesday afternoon. It is ready to print and will be mailed to homes early this coming week

A special prayer of thanksgiving... On Thanksgiving day I was notified that Dolores Jaramillo's son David is back in the U.S. from his tour in Iraq. Thanks be to God for keeping him safe.

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for November 25: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf Here is the link to the November Hotline, one last time: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

This week…

Congregation meeting and Potluck next Sunday, December 2, after 11 AM worship.
December 2 is also the First Sunday in Advent leading up to Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas, here’s the line up of services for Christmas Eve:
4:30 PM - Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight-Child Friendly
7 PM - Festival Service of Holy Communion with Candlelight
9:30 PM - Christmas Eve Contemporary Service with Holy Communion and Candlelight
WELCA is collecting used greeting cards for Leeza's Place, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, Florida, which provides services for patients with Alzheimer's and their care givers. The cards are recycled and made into new cards. for a Christmas Bazaar. Deadline for collecting the cards is this Sunday. Leave them in the kitchen under the phone

Other items…

Rehearsals for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve children’s service have begun... Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the children's choir room. All children grades pre-k through 6th grade are invited to sing!
The Kempers are extending an invitation to join them for some Ballroom Dancing, Saturday, December 15, 8:30 p.m. at the Chandelier Ballroom in the Heights, with Ed Gerlach and his big band music. Join the Christmas festivities! For Reservations: Call Earl and Dottie Kemper (832-229-4385) Cost: $12/person. Seating is limited.
Hosanna’s next IHN rotation is Sunday, December 16 - Sunday, December 23. Our guests will be staying at the In Town Suites, not the church. Meals need to be prepared and delivered to In Town on December 16, 17 and 18. Drivers are needed for the truck and van on December 16. See the back of the green “Welcome” insert to sign up.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker…

Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a day, also for resources. (P.S. The Sundays in Advent are covered, but dates are open in January.)
Advent Retreat at Lutherhill, December 8-9 (grades 3-6). Register ASAP with Amber.

A Little Humor:

As we eat our Thanksgiving leftovers, here’s a Thanksgiving poem:

Tis the night before Thanksgiving and all through our house
No turkey is baking; I feel like a louse,
For I am all nestled, so snug in my bed;
I’m not gettin’ up and I’m not bakin’ bread.
No pies in my oven, no cranberry sauce
Cuz I give the orders, and I am the boss.
When out in the kitchen, there arose such a clatter
I almost got up to see what was the matter.
As I drew in my head and was tossing around
To the bed came my husband, he grimaced, he frowned.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
He scared me to death and I thought, “Here he goes!”
He spoke not a word as he threw back my quilt
And the look that he gave was intended to wilt.
So up to the ceiling my pillows he threw
I knew I had had it, his face had turned blue.
“You prancer, you dodger, you’re lazy, you vixen
Out yonder in kitchen, Thanksgiving you’re fixin.”
But he heard me explain, with my face in a pout:
"I'm just plain too tired and we're eating out!"

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - November 16, 2007

2007-11-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. (Ps. 98:1)

Hello again! I'm getting this our a little later than usual because we have no internet access at church (except wireless). Our modem went on the fritz. We got a new one from AT&T and Debbie and I will have to reset all the office computers on Monday.

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for November 18: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

This Sunday, November 18…

Advent Workshop – this Sunday @ 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Crafts, food, music and devotions. Cost: $15 per family and a plate of cookies. Sign up in the Narthex. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Growing to Serve Beyond Hosanna - You are invited to an Open House, this Sunday, 2-4 PM at Ron and Heda Christ’s house, 703 Romaine Lane. See what’s being done through Hosanna’s African Initiative, now in its second year of service, providing scholarships for needy High School students. Learn of the work of the Community Based Rehabilitation of the Margwanza Hospital, Tanzania, Africa. Appetizers and drinks. RSVP 281-440-7321.
Please donate a frozen turkey or $10 to purchase a turkey. NAM will provide 1,800 turkeys to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The NAM food pantry, at 15555 Kuykendahl, will be open this Sunday, November 18 from 12:30-2:30 to receive donations.
Mission of the Month collection this Sunday: Partnership for Youth and Family Ministry of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod - The Vision of the Synod’s Partnership for Youth and Family Ministry is to equip every congregation in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod with the tools to create a culture which develops vital, active, living faith in Jesus Christ in every child, youth, young adult and adult. One of the programs in which Hosanna is involved in is the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). Over the years our young people have been involved in their Ministry teams. This year Emma Hartmann, Jacob Romijn, Marquette Henderson, Laura and Andrew Greer worked on the Junior High Gathering held last weekend and Jordan Chaney and Lily Hartmann attended. Ask them about their experiences.We are asking you to dig into your pockets and purses and pull out any loose change you may be carrying. Deposit it in the buckets the ushers will be passing during the Offering. Thank you.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker...

Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a day, also for resources.
Advent Retreat at Lutherhill, December 8-9 (grades 3-6). Register ASAP with Amber.
Correction: Contrary to what was reported last week there will be a group Sunday school on November 25 (Sunday after Thanksgiving).

Other News…

Hosanna’s next IHN rotation is Sunday, December 16 - Sunday, December 23. Our guests will be staying at the In Town Suites, not at the church. Meals need to be prepared and delivered to In Town on December 16, 17 and 18. Drivers are needed for the truck and van on December 16. To volunteer contact Nickie Brooks.
Hosanna, through NAM, is again sponsoring the Holiday Toy Drive. Toy bags will be available in the Narthex. This is an opportunity for us to share our blessings with others. You may share the cost of filling a bag with a friend. The toy bags will be collected December 9 and 16 and taken to NAM. Please return bags no later than December 9
Seafarers’ Gift Boxes Update: This is the final week for the fundraiser. So far, Hosanna has contributed $1250 and Thrivent has provided Cash Assistance funds of $1400, enough to fill 102 boxes. That means Hosanna has met its goal. If we receive additional contributions this week we will be able to fill a few extra boxes. Thanks also for the shoe boxes you have provided. We have 100 and need only a few more. That's real nice work Hosanna!
Coffee servers are needed for Sunday mornings: 1 family to set up before 8 AM worship; 2 families to clean up after 11 AM worship. Duties are only performed every other month. Contact Gay Zimmerman at the Hosanna Office.
Rehearsals for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve children’s service have begun... Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the children's choir room. All children grades Pre-K through 6th Grade are invited to sing! Parents, a sign up sheet is posted outside of the children's choir room; please indicate if your child(ren) will participate. See you there!
From Staff Support Team - Christmas is approaching - a time when we recognize special people with a gift. It is time to include in the offering plate a gift for our staff members who have served us through the year. Please put your gift in an envelope marked “Staff Christmas gift” and place it in the offering. Thank you.

WELCA News…

Save Lids to Save Lives! Hosanna Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is collecting Yoplait lids to help in the fight against breast cancer. Lids must be pink in color, come from the 4 or 6 oz. yogurt containers and have an expiration date of 2007. Be sure to wash the lids and place them in the kitchen under the phone. Deadline is December 16. Questions? Contact Judy Finger.
Used Greeting Card Collection WELCA also is collecting used greeting cards for Leeza's Place, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, Florida, which provides services for patients with Alzheimer's and their care givers. The cards are recycled and made into new cards for a Christmas Bazaar. Deadline for collecting the cards is November 25. Place cards in the kitchen, under the phone. Questions? Contact Judy Finger.

Adult Education and small group opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AM - This weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Weekly Prayer Group meets every Wednesday @ 5:30 PM in the Library. They will be praying for the men and women in leadership roles who will be facing many decisions that affect the Hosanna church family

A Little Humor...

Some actual lines from resumes:

Being in trouble with the law, I moved quite frequently.

Experience: Professionally watered 22,500 office plants.

At the age of 12, I began hustling newspapers like many other great Americans had done. The only difference was that they became great.

And they were wondering why they didn’t get that new job!

Until next week, Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - November 2, 2007

2007-11-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, (From Ps. 149)

A good Friday afternoon/evening to everyone:

This Sunday, November 4, is All Saints Sunday. We will affirm our baptisms, remember loved ones who have gone before us and dedicate new pavers in the courtyard.

Two last minute additions to the prayers listed in the weekly newsletter, as it was printed before we received this information:

Pray for Betty Campbell who had a double mastectomy Thursday morning at Methodist Hospital. She is now recovering in Rm 824. Pray for speady healing.

A personal note: I received word late last night that my daughter-in-law Angela gave birth to Nathan Frederick Bargmann, 8 lbs. 9 oz. Georgia and I are grandparents for the first time.

From the Call Committee… two items:

First, this is the last Sunday to fill out the CALL PROCESS CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY. Copies are in the narthex or online: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/. Click the “Call Process Page” link on the Home Page. Place completed forms in the wooden boxes in the Narthex, or mail them to Hosanna (16526 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090).

Second, I received this Call Committee Report from Call Committee member Sally Darling:
The Call Committee is in full swing. We met this past Monday with our consultant from the synod, Pastor Marlin Wogstad. We are getting many questions from the congregation, which is great; we appreciate your interest and are just as anxious as you are to get Hosanna moving to our next phase.

Here is a brief report for you that we hope will clarify what our job is and what we have been doing. Please feel free to ask any member of the committee if you need further information.

What is the Call Committee? These are the representatives of the church who were chosen to help assess the needs of the church so that the synod can choose appropriate candidates for Hosanna to consider as our next pastor.

Who is on the Call Committee? Members were chosen to represent a wide variety of the congregation’s members. The committee includes Darryl Brown, Beth Chaney (chair), Sally Darling, Jon Evans, Jay Rohla and Mindy Williams.

What is the Call Committee doing right now? We are in the midst of writing an extensive profile of the church that will be used to determine Hosanna’s current and future needs. This involves: collecting and compiling the data from the survey all members have been asked to fill out during the past few weeks; interviewing members of council, committee heads and others involved in Hosanna’s work; collecting demographic data on the area surrounding Hosanna; and
writing a report that includes everything from a brief history of the congregation to describing the many services and ministries we provide.

Does the Call Committee actually choose the candidates for pastor? No, we help determine the needs of the church and give information to the synod, which, with the leadership of the bishop, chooses appropriate candidates to consider as our pastor. The Call Committee then observes and/or interviews the candidates provided and recommends a candidate. The candidate is then voted on by the council and the congregation.

What is the congregation’s job during the call process? Please participate in the survey and help provide any other information the committee may need from you. We also welcome your prayers so that, together, we can come up with the best candidate for Hosanna and the future of our congregation.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker...

Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a day, also for resources.
Thanks to Jan Dietzmann for organizing everything for Reformation Sunday.
No Sunday school for children November 25 (Sunday after Thanksgiving

Other News…

Seafarers’ Gift Boxes - Update: Hosanna has contributed $600 and Thrivent has added $1400 in Cash Assistance funds, enough to fill 77 boxes. If we receive another $600 in contributions in the next few weeks, we will be able to fill 100 boxes. Bob McConnell is accepting donations (Make checks payable to Men of Hosanna). Empty shoe boxes are needed. Give them to Bob or leave them next to the food pantry. CREW will pack the Christmas care boxes Sunday, December 9 @ 6 PM; Confirmation class will wrap them in Christmas paper Wednesday, December 19 @ 7 PM.
Coffee servers (am clean up) are needed for Sund8 am set up; 11 ay Morning to replace families that have recently moved. Contact Gay Zimmerman at the Hosanna Office.
From Staff Support Team - Christmas is approaching - a time when we recognize special people with a gift. It is time to include in the offering plate a gift for our staff members who have served us through the year. Please put your gift in an envelope marked “Staff Christmas gift“ and place it in the offering. Thank you.

Coming soon…

Texas Thanksgiving, a 25-year Hosanna tradition - Saturday, November 10 @ 6-9 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Not your usual celebration with turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes and gravy, but lots of home-made chili and pie, followed by rounds of Bunco. Cost: $5 per person. Sign up to bring chili or pie. Adults only. Questions? Call Nerisa McConnell (281-440-5432) or Sue King (281-353-1242).
6th Annual Veteran’s Day Service sponsored jointly by Hosanna, Kinsmen and Lord of Life. This year’s service is at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Sunday, November 11 @ 2 PM
Senior’s to Santa’s Wonderland - It starts with a dinner buffet, then a hayride through the outdoor lights and displays at Santa’s Wonderland near College Station. After the hayride, tour the Texas-style Christmas village featuring artisans, live shows, musical entertainment, holiday foods and shopping for unique gifts. Watch classic Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen and enjoy a cozy outdoor fireplace. Friday, November 16 (be at Hosanna by 3 PM); bus leaves @ 3:15 PM and returns to Hosanna around 9:30 PM. Cost: $23 per person.
Advent Workshop - Sunday, November 18 @ 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Crafts, food, music and devotions. Cost: $15 per family and a plate of cookies. Sign up in the Narthex. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Growing to Serve Beyond Hosanna - You are invited to an Open House, Sunday November 18, 2-4 PM at Ron and Heda Christ’s house, 703 Romaine Lane. See what’s being done through Hosanna’s African Initiative, now in its second year of service, providing scholarships for needy High School students. Learn of the work of the Community Based Rehabilitation of the Margwanza Hospital, Tanzania, Africa. Appetizers and drinks. RSVP 281-440-7321.

For the good of the community…

From the Care Team: Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is holding its Thanksgiving food distribution November 12. Donations to buy turkeys are appreciated. Also, please bring non-perishable food for the NAM pantry. Thank you for caring as always.
Save Lids to Save Lives! - Hosanna Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is collecting Yoplait lids to help in the fight against breast cancer. Lids must be pink in color, come from the 4 or 6 oz. yogurt containers and have an expiration date of 2007. Be sure to wash the lids and place them in the kitchen under the phone. Deadline is December 16. Questions? Contact Judy Finger.
Used Greeting Card Collection - WELCA also is collecting used greeting cards for Leeza's Place, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, Florida, which provides services for patients with Alzheimer's and their care givers. The cards are recycled and made into new cards for a Christmas Bazaar. Deadline for collecting the cards is November 25. Place cards in the kitchen, under the phone. Questions? Contact Judy Finger.
Lutheran Volunteer BLITZ Gulf Coast and New Orleans Area - November/December 2007 Come, be a part of the healing of hearts, homes and communities! For information and to volunteer, contact: http://www.futurehope.org/http://www.lcmsrelief.org/, http://www.ldr.org.adult/

Education and small group opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AM - This weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Weekly Prayer Group meets every Wednesday @ 5:30 PM in the Library. They pray for the men and women in leadership roles who face many decisions that affect the Hosanna church family.

A Little Humor...

Some short letters from children to God:

Dear God: I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. Nan

Dear God: I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool! Eugene

Dear God: We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school they said you did it. So I bet he stoled your idea. Sincerely, Donn

Dear God: Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't you just keep the ones you have now? Jane

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - October 26, 2007

2007-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea. (From Ps. 46)

A good Friday afternoon/evening to everyone:

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for October 28: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

THIS WEEKEND…

This Saturday, October 27, is the Annual FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL. Be the first to use the new playground area (being installed as we speak). It all starts @ 4:30 PM. Enjoy games, hayride, costume parade, roasted hot dogs and Chappel Hill sausage, and trick or trunk.

This Sunday, October 28 is Reformation Sunday. Please wear RED and join the kids and Hosanna Brass to celebrate this special day of remembering the work of Martin Luther who, 490 years ago, nailed his 95 Theses (points of debate) to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Our special guest for the Children’s Sermon is none other than Martin himself.

FROM THE CALL COMMITTEE… EACH VOTING MEMBER OF HOSANNA… Please fill out the “Congregation Survey” included with this week’s bulletin. The form is also online http://www.welcometohosanna.com. Click the “Call Process Page” link on the Home Page. Place completed forms in the wooden box on the table by the Sanctuary entrance, or mail them to Hosanna (16526 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090). Deadline for submitting completed survey forms is Sunday, November 4.

FAMILY LIFE NOTES FROM AMBER WALKER...

CREW: Lutheran Youth talk on Sexuality, this Sunday, October 28. Contact Amber if you have questions.
Confirmation Pizza and Movie night is Friday, November 2 @ 7 PM at the home of Warren and Theresa White.
Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a date, also for resources.

OTHER NEWS AND COMING SOON…

Seafarers’ Gift Boxes - The Men of Hosanna are holding a 30-day fund-raiser to help raise money to pack 100 Christmas gift boxes for the Seafarers’ Center. It takes about $26 dollars to cover the cost of items in each shoe box. WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR UP TO $1400 IN CASH ASSISTANCE FUNDS FROM THRIVENT FINANCIAL. $1200 is needed from Hosanna members. Make checks payable to Men of Hosanna and place it or your cash donation in an envelope and give it to Bob McConnell. Empty shoe boxes are needed. Give them to Bob or leave them on the floor next to the food pantry. CREW will pack the Christmas care boxes Sunday , December 9 @ 6 PM; Confirmation class will wrap them in Christmas paper Wednesday, December 19 @ 7 PM.
Status of the Commercial Mowing Fund (CMF) - Contributions are needed to pay the December and First Quarter 2008 bills from Tony’s grounds maintenance. Please remember the CMF in your extra regular and lump sum contributions through the end of the year.
Coffee servers (8 am set up; 11am clean up) are needed for Sunday Morning to replace families that have recently moved. Contact Gay Zimmerman at the Hosanna Office.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER…

Texas Thanksgiving, a 25-year Hosanna tradition. Saturday, November 10 @ 6-9 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Not your usual celebration with turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes and gravy, but lots of home-made chili and pie, followed by rounds of Bunco. Cost: $5 per person. Sign up to bring chili or pie. Adults only. Questions? Call Nerisa McConnell (281-440-5432) or Sue King (281-353-1242).
6th Annual Veteran’s Day Service - Sponsored jointly by Hosanna, Kinsmen and Lord of Life This year’s service is at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Sunday, November 11 @ 2 PM
Seniors to Santa’s Wonderland - It starts with a dinner buffet, then a hayride through the outdoor lights and displays at Santa’s Wonderland near College Station. After the hayride, tour the Texas-style Christmas village featuring artisans, live shows, musical entertainment, holiday foods and shopping for unique gifts. Watch classic Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen and enjoy a cozy outdoor fireplace. Friday, November 16 (be at Hosanna by 3 PM); bus leaves @ 3:15 PM and returns to Hosanna around 9:30 PM. Cost: $23 per person.
Advent Workshop - Sunday, November 18 @ 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Crafts, food, music and devotions. Cost: $15 per family and a plate of cookies. Sign up in the Narthex. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Growing to Serve Beyond Hosanna - You are cordially invited to an Open House, Sunday November 18, 2-4 PM at Ron and Heda Christ’s house, 703 Romaine Lane. Come see what’s being done through Hosanna’s African Initiative, now in its second year of service, providing scholarships for needy High School students. Learn of the work of the Community Based Rehabilitation of the Margwanza Hospital, Tanzania, Africa. Appetizers and drinks. RSVP 281-440-7321.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY…

Save Lids to Save Lives! - Hosanna Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is collecting Yoplait lids to help in the fight against breast cancer. Lids must be pink in color, come from the 4 or 6 oz. yogurt containers and have an expiration date of 2007. Be sure to wash the lids and place them in the kitchen under the phone. Deadline is December 16. Questions? Contact Judy Kresge-Finger.
Used Greeting Card Collection - WELCA also is collecting used greeting cards for Leeza's Place, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, Florida, which provides services for patients with Alzheimer's and their care givers. The cards are recycled and made into new cards for a Christmas Bazaar. Deadline for collecting the cards is November 25. Place cards in the kitchen, under the phone. Questions? Contact Judy Kresge.
Lutheran Volunteer BLITZ Gulf Coast and New Orleans Area November/December 2007 - Come, be a part of the healing of hearts, homes and communities! For information and to volunteer, contact: http://www.futurehope.org http://www.lcmsrelief.org, http://www.ldr.org.
Annual Fall Goodtime Show - Features the Statesmen Chorus (which rehearses at Hosanna). Christ the Good Shepherd Church, 18522 Klein Church Road, November 3, @ 6:30 PM. Adults: $20; Pre-teens: $10. Seating is at tables of 12. For a good seat, call Richard Dove 281-370-8287 or email rdove007@sbcglobal.net or call the ticket office at 281-583-1278. Richard is holding good seats at the front center table. First come first served.

SOME ITEMS FOR DECEMBER…

St. Olaf Christmas Festival Simulcast - For the first time in its 96-year history, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival will be simulcast live to over 150 theaters nationwide from Skoglund Center Auditorium on the St. Olaf campus. Date: December 2. See http://www.stolaf.edu/christmasfest for tickets and event details.
Hosanna Book Discussion, Saturday, December 15 @ 6 PM in the Conference Room - The next selection will be the medical thriller Crisis, by Robin Cook.

ADULT EDUCATION AND SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES...

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AM - This weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Monday nights @ 7 PM, weekly, study group continues at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away).
Prayer Group meets every Wednesday @ 5:30-6 PM in the Library to pray for the men and women in leadership roles who face decisions that affect the Hosanna church family.

A Little Humor... Some quotes from Martin Luther:

"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety."
"We learn the inner secret of happiness when we learn to direct our inner drives, our interest and our attention to something outside ourselves."
"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you."
"If you're not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there."
"Now the church is not wood and stone, but the company of people who believe in Christ."

Dale Bargmann
Parish Communications
Hosanna Lutheran Church, Houston, TX

Hosanna Cyberfline - October 21, 2007

2007-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

The LORD will watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth forevermore. (From Ps. 121)

A good Friday afternoon/evening to everyone:

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna for October 21: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

This weekend…

Gulf Coast Lutheran Men in Mission Fall 2007 Gathering Faith Lutheran Church, Bellaire, Saturday, October 20. Keynote presenter with the theme, "Work, Worship & Play-balancing a man's life and keeping Christ at the Center." Cost is $15 per person (includes breakfast and lunch). RSVP: 281.485.1818 or to brian@newlifelutheran.com
Your help is needed one more time before the new playground is installed. Saturday, October 20 @ 8 AM, please consider giving a couple hours of your time to spread the playground mulch. The playground will be installed the week before the Fall Festival. This should only take a couple of hours. Let’s all pitch in for the greater good.
Confirmation Sunday is this Sunday, October 21 at 11 AM worship.
Fall general meeting for the Women of Hosanna is Sunday, October 21 @ 12:30 PM in the library. All women are invited to attend.
From the Call Committee… CALL PROCESS CONGREGATIONAL SURVEYEACH VOTING MEMBER OF HOSANNA… Please fill out the “Congregation Survey” included with this week’s bulletin. The form is also online http://www.welcometohosanna.com. Click the “Call Process Page” link on the Home Page. Place completed forms in the wooden box on the table by the Sanctuary entrance, or mail them to Hosanna (16526 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090). Deadline for submitting completed survey forms is Sunday, November 4.

Other News and Coming Soon…

First, an important notice: The church office received notice of a break-in and fire at Kinsmen Lutheran this past Monday. PLEASE, PLEASE, anyone using the Hosanna facilities for any function…make sure the outside building and room doors are locked before exiting the building.
New… Weekly Prayer Group meets every Wednesday @ 5:15-5:45 PM in the Library. They will be praying for the men and women in leadership roles who will be facing many decisions that affect the Hosanna church family.
Status of the Commercial Mowing Fund (CMF): As of September 30, there are adequate funds to pay Tony's Lawn Service through early December. Additional contributions are needed to pay the December and First Quarter 2008 bills. Please remember the CMF in your extra regular and lump sum contributions through the end of the year.
Thanks to everyone for submitting Hotline articles by the 15th.
Annual Fall Family Festival, hosted by Hosanna WELCA, is Next Saturday, October 27, 4:30-6:30 PM. Hayride, Costume Parade, Trick or Trunk, Games, Moonwalk, Chappell Hill Sausage and Hot Dogs. Sign up in the Narthex to bring chips, vegetable tray or dessert.
The return of YMCA Tumbling at Hosanna with Coach LouisTuesday nights @ 5:45-6:30 PM for ages 3-5 years Registration is monthly: $18/month for Facility Members$24/month for Program Members

Some things for November… just a couple weeks away…

Texas Thanksgiving, a 25-year Hosanna tradition. Saturday, November 10 @ 6-9 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Not your usual celebration with turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes and gravy, but lots of home-made chili and pie, followed by rounds of Bunco. Cost: $5 per person. Sign up to bring chili or pie. Adults only. Questions? Call Nerisa McConnell (281-440-5432) or Sue King (281-353-1242).
6th Annual Veteran’s Day Service Sponsored jointly by Hosanna, Kinsmen and Lord of LifeThis year’s service is at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Sunday, November 11 @ 2 PM
Senior’s to Santa’s Wonderland It all starts with a dinner buffet. Then take a hayride through the outdoor lights and displays at Santa’s Wonderland near College Station. After the hayride, tour the Texas-style Christmas village featuring artisans, live shows, musical entertainment, holiday foods and shopping for unique gifts. Watch classic Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen and enjoy a cozy outdoor fireplace. Friday, November 16 (be at Hosanna by 3 PM); bus leaves @ 3:15 PM and returns to Hosanna around 9:30 PM. Cost: $23 per person.
Advent Workshop Sunday, November 18 @ 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Crafts, food, music and devotions. Cost: $15 per family and a plate of cookies. Sign up in the Narthex. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Growing to Serve Beyond Hosanna You are cordially invited to an Open House, Sunday November 18, 2-4 PM at Ron and Heda Christ’s house, 703 Romaine LaneCome see what’s being done through Hosanna’s African Initiative, now in its second year of service, providing scholarships for needy High School students. Learn of the work of the Community Based Rehabilitation of the Margwanza Hospital, Tanzania, Africa. Appetizers and drinks served. RSVP to 281 440 7321.
Save Lids to Save Lives! Hosanna Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is collecting Yoplait lids to help in the fight against breast cancer. Lids must be pink in color, come from the 4 or 6 oz. yogurt containers and have an expiration date of 2007. Be sure to wash the lids and place them in the kitchen under the phone. Deadline is December 16. Questions? Contact Judy Kresge-Finger.
Used Greeting Card Collection WELCA also is collecting used greeting cards for Leeza's Place, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, Florida, which provides services for patients with Alzheimer's and their care givers. The cards are recycled and made into new cards for a Christmas Bazaar. Deadline for collecting the cards is November 25. Place cards in the kitchen, under the phone. Questions? Contact Judy Kresge.
Hosanna Book Discussion, Saturday, December 15 @ 6 PM in the Conference Room. The next selection will be the medical thriller Crisis, by Robin Cook.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker...

“Share, Save, Spend,” Parent-Teen Weekend Getaway at Lutherhill, October 26-27 (See flyer on the table by the Sanctuary for details).
CREW: Lutheran Youth talk on Sexuality, October 28. For information or questions, contact Amber.
Coming Reformation Sunday (October 28): a celebration for young and old. Join the kids and Hosanna Brass to celebrate this special day. For more information see Jan Dietzmann.
Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a day, also for resources.

Adult Education Opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AM This weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Monday nights @ 7 PM, weekly, study group continues at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away).

A Little Humor

A cop pulled over a car and approached the driver, a nun.
"Why were you only driving 23 miles per hour on the Highway?" He asked.
"Well, the sign said 23 miles per hour," she replied.
"No, that sign said Highway 23. That's not the speed limit," he said. Then, looking at the other nuns in the car, he asked, "Why do they look so shaken up?"
"We just exited Interstate 196," she answered.

Until next week,

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - October 12, 2007

2007-10-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

A good Friday to all, this second week of October,

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

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

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice this have a good understanding. (From Ps. 111)

This Sunday, October 14 (new member Sunday)…

From the Call Committee… CALL PROCESS CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY

EACH VOTING MEMBER OF HOSANNA… Please fill out the “Congregation Survey” included with this week’s bulletin. This is the next step in the process of calling a pastor. The form is also online at http://www.welcometohosanna.com/Congregational_Survey_Call_Committee.pdf. Place completed forms in the wooden boxes on the tables by the Sanctuary entrance, or mail them to Hosanna (16526 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090). Deadline for submitting the completed survey form is Sunday, November 4.

This is Blood Drive Sunday. Stop by the van in the parking lot and save a life.

Other News and Coming Soon…

Please fill out the Nursery Survey on the back of the Green "Welcome Sheet."
Deadline for submitting November Hotline articles is Monday, October 15!!! I need all information from the Hosanna Council and the various Team Leaders.
The Gulf Coast Lutheran Men in Mission Fall 2007 Gathering
Faith Lutheran Church, Bellaire, Saturday, October 20. Keynote presenter with the theme, "Work, Worship & Play-balancing a man's life and keeping Christ at the Center." Cost is $15 per person (includes breakfast and lunch). RSVP: 281.485.1818 or to brian@newlifelutheran.com
Fall general meeting for the Hosanna Women of the ELCA is Sunday, October 21 @ 12:30 PM in the library. All women are invited to attend.
Fall Family Festival, hosted by Hosanna WELCA, is Saturday, October 27, 4:30-6:30 PM. See the poster in the Narthex to sign up your family and friends and tell us what food dish you will bring to share.
Return of YMCA Tumbling at Hosanna with Coach LouisTuesday nights @ 5:45-6:30 PM for ages 3-5 years Registration is monthly: $18/month for Facility Members$24/month for Program Members
November Senior’s Trip to Santa’s Wonderland near College Station. Friday, November 16 (be at Hosanna by 3 PM; Bus leaves @ 3:15 PM and returns to Hosanna around 9:30 PM. Cost: $23 per person (includes dinner)
New… Weekly Prayer Group meets every Wednesday @ 5:15-5:45 PM in the Library. They will be praying for the men and women in leadership roles who will be facing many decisions that affect the Hosanna church family. Experience the power of praying together described in Matthew 18:19-20. Come show your support for our leaders.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker...

Confirmation Banquet this Sunday, October 14 @ 5 PM, at Strack’s Restaurant.
Confirmation rehearsal 4 pm at church then proceed to banquet.
No CREW this Sunday evening due to Confirmation banquet.
Confirmation Sunday is next Sunday, October 21 at 11 AM worship.
Your help is needed one more time before the new playground is installed. A few men have been working non-stop to get the yard ready for the playground, but they need help. Saturday, October 20, please consider giving a couple hours of your time to spread the playground mulch. The playground will be installed the week before the Fall Festival. Meet that morning at 8 am. This should only take a couple of hours, so we can all pitch in for the greater good.
“Share, Save, Spend,” Parent-Teen Weekend Getaway at Lutherhill, October 26-27 (See flyer on the table by the Sanctuary for details).
CREW: Lutheran Youth talk on Sexuality, October 28. For information or questions, contact Amber.
Coming Reformation Sunday (October 28): a celebration for young and old. Join the kids and Hosanna Brass to celebrate this special day. For more information see Jan Dietzmann.
Would you like to give a Children’s Talk at Sunday morning worship? See Amber to schedule a day, also for resources.

Adult Education Opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AM - This weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Monday nights @ 7 PM, weekly, study group continues at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away).

A Little Humor

Once there was a dishonest painter who used to water down his paint far too much. One day, as he was painting the steeple of a church building, thunderclouds gathered and rain washed all his thinned-down paint away. A booming voice called out from heaven, saying, "Repaint, and thin no more."

One more for good measure…

"Teacher," Tommy asked in Sunday school, "I don't understand. You're always saying that 'the children of Israel did this' and 'the children of Israel did that.' Didn't the grownups ever do anything?"

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - October 5, 2007

2007-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

A blessed Friday to everyone:

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

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

Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not be provoked; it leads only to evil. (from Ps. 37)

This Sunday, October 7…

Faith Journey hosts a benefit continental breakfast this Sunday, October 7, 9-11 AM. A free will offering will be taken to raise funds to support Andrew Greer's Eagle Scout project, building a secure cabinet for the band to store their instruments. Andrew will be there to talk about the project.
Coffee Sunday, an ongoing project of the Hosanna Women of the ELCA, is the first Sunday of each month.
CREW Breakfast at Dennys @ 9:30 AM
Inquirers Gathering @ 9:30 AM
Cantor Gay meets with the Confirmands in her office @ 9:30 AM to work on Faith Statements.
Blessing of the Drivers Licenses @ 11 AM Worship (Laura, Stephen, Jacob and Anna
Everyone… Please take a minute to fill out the Nursery Questionnaire insert in the Bulletin.

Other News and Coming Soon…

October Senior’s TripTreasures from Shanghai Monday, October 8 Meet at Hosanna @ 9:45 AM; Bus leaves @ 10 AMCost: $10 /person + Lunch in old China TownSign up in the Narthex
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
Blood Drive is next Sunday, October 14
Deadline for submitting November Hotline articles is Monday, October 15!!!
The Gulf Coast Lutheran Men in Mission Fall 2007 Gathering Faith Lutheran Church, Bellaire, Saturday, October 20. Keynote presenter with the theme, "Work, Worship & Play-balancing a man's life and keeping Christ at the Center." Cost is $15 per person (includes breakfast and lunch). RSVP: 281.485.1818 or to brian@newlifelutheran.com
Fall general meeting for the Women of Hosanna is Sunday, October 21 @ 12:30 PM in the library. All women are invited to attend.
The Fall Family Festival, hosted by Hosanna WELCA, is Saturday, October 27, 4:30-6:30 PM. See the back of this Sunday’s green “Welcome” sheet to sign up your family and friends.

Family Life notes from Amber Walker…

Confirmation class meets Wednesdays, October 10, 17 and 24. No meeting October 31.
Confirmation Banquet will be held Sunday, October 14 @ 5 PM
Confirmation Sunday is October 21 @ 11 AM worship.
CREW: Lutheran Youth talk on Sexuality, October 28. For information or questions, contact Amber
“Share, Save, Spend,” Parent-Teen Weekend Getaway at Lutherhill, October 26-27 (See flyer on the table by the Sanctuary entrance for details).
CREW Bible study continues every Sunday @ 6 PM.

Adult Education Opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AMThis weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship continues with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Monday nights @ 7 PM, weekly, study group continues at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away). No group this coming Monday (October 8). Georgia, Garrett and I will be in Minnesota.

A Little Humor

Sally the Sunday school teacher lined up the children in her class so they could recite the creed they had been memorizing the past few weeks.

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth," Robbie began.
"And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord," Suzy said next.
"Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary," said Timmy.
"Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, buried," said Molly.
"He descended into hell," said Jim.
"The third day he rose again from the dead," said Margaret.
"He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God," said Billy.
"From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead," said Jill.
A long silence followed. Finally Timmy spoke up and said, "The boy who believes in the Holy Ghost isn't here today."

Dale Bargmann
Hosanna Parish Communications

http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - September 28, 2007

2007-09-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

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

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

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God's holy name. (From Ps. 103)

Tomorrow (September 29) is the Fall Clean Up Day. Bring your work clothes, gloves and sunscreen.

Also tomorrow (September 29) is the Installation of Michael Rinehart as Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA at Grace Presbyterian Church @ 1 PM.

The Fall Family Festival, hosted by Hosanna WELCA, is Saturday, October 27, 4:30-6:30 PM. See the back of this Sunday’s green “Welcome” sheet to sign up your family and friends.

Faith Journey will host a benefit continental breakfast, next Sunday, October 7, 9-11 AM . A free will offering will be taken to raise funds to support Andrew Greer's eagle scout project, building a secure cabinet for the band to store their instruments.

Hosanna Women of the ELCA officers will be installed this Sunday, September 30 @ 11 AM worship.

Fall general meeting for the Hosanna Women of the ELCA is Sunday, October 21 @ 12:30 PM in the library. All women are invited to attend.

October Seniors' Trip

Treasures from Shanghai
5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture
Monday, October 8 Meet at Hosanna @ 9:45 AM;
Bus leaves @ 10 AMCost: $10 /person + Lunch in old China Town
Sign up in the Narthex

Sunday school notes from Amber Walker:

Thanks to Heda and Jean for teaching the Confirmation and CREW!!!
Confirmation Banquet will be held Saturday, October 14 @ 5 PM
Confirmation Sunday is October 21 @ 11 AM worship.
Hosanna Carolers sing at 11 AM worship this Sunday.
CREW Bible study continues every Sunday @ 6 PM.

Adult Education Opportunities…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study @ 10 AMThis weekly study, led by Pastor Bill, focuses on the lessons for the following Sunday. There’s always hot coffee and treats. Afterward the fellowship with an inexpensive (and optional) lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Monday nights @ 7 PM, weekly, study group continues at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away). This week: the last of a four-part discussion on the life of Martin Luther: from the Wartburg to his death.

A Little Humor

While touring Israel, two people thought they'd rent a boat and take it across the Sea of Galilee.

"That'll be a hundred dollars," said the man at the boat rental.

"A hundred dollars? That's an outrageous amount!" One of the tourists exclaimed.

"Ah, but this is the lake Jesus walked on," the merchant pointed out.

To which the irritated tourist replied, "For a hundred dollars a boat, I can see why!"

Dale Bargmann Hosanna Lutheran Church Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - September 14, 2007

2007-09-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

A blessed Friday to everyone:

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

Here is the link to the September Hotline (Reminder, September 15 is the deadline to submit articles for the October Hotline):
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

Lot’s of things happening again this Sunday, September 16

Annual Blessing of the Backpacks - Kids, bring your backpack to any service this Sunday.

Important Congregation Meeting after 11 AM Worship. There will be a Pot Luck beforehand. Bring your favorite dish. The agenda includes, amongst other things, the Call Committee.

Sunday Adult Education continues the series Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by Professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course, led by Pastor Paul Frerking, is a balanced, critical look at Martin Luther. Each one hour session is designed as a 30-minute lecture on DVD, followed by a 30 minute group discussion.

IHN Week begins Sunday. Please make these guests feel at home.

Sunday School teachers needed

Hosanna needs your help! We are looking for 2-3 teachers for the high school and confirmation Sunday school classes. Substitute teachers are also needed!
If you can’t teach every Sunday, consider one or two Sundays per month. Please, this is important.

September Senior’s Group Trip

American Alpaca Farm (near Navasota) Tuesday, September 25. Meet at Hosanna @ 8:15 AM; return by 5 PM. Cost: $5/person plus lunch at Martha’s Bloomers Restaurant, plant nursery and gift shop. Sign up in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Cecelia Gabrielson: 281-3762258.

Attention all men, women and high school golfers.

Time to sign-up for the Hosanna Fall Golf Classic, Saturday October 13. It is an 8 AM shotgun start at the Texas National Golf Course near Willis. Cost per player is $43 which includes free range balls, green fees, golf cart and a hamburger buffet lunch. Sign up in the north narthex. Make checks payable to: Men of Hosanna or give cash to Bob McConnell. Deadline to reserve spots is Sunday, October 7.

A quick update on Kathleen Schwertlich from Pastor Bill:

She came through the surgery just fine. She did not have to the complete hip joint prosthesis reconstruction. The doctor replaced the artificial hip socket. Kathleen is at Hermann Memorial City Hospital, room 617.

"Kathleen and I are so very grateful to all of you who have been kindly thinking of us and praying for us as she goes through this surgery and healing process. Thanks especially to those who have come in person to visit, for phone calls, emails and other expressions of good care and concern. Most of all, thanks for your prayers and other expressions of compassion and love as we take things "one day at a time", now more than ever, the best and most effective way of handling all that comes to us without being dragged down in fear."

A Little Humor…

Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and gathered them around Him and taught them saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
"Blessed are the meek,
Blessed are they that mourn,
Blessed are the merciful,
Blessed are they that thirst after righteousness.
Blessed are you when persecuted, Blessed are you when you suffer, be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in Heaven."

Then Simon Peter said, "Are we supposed to know all this?"
And Andrew said, "So we have to write all this down?"
And James said, "Will we have a test on this?"
And Phillip said, "I don't have any paper."
And Judas said, " How much credit does this give me?"
And Matthew said, "May I go to the bathroom?"
And Bathelomew said, "Do we have to turn this in?"
And Simon said, "May I borrow a pencil?"
And Judas Iscariot said, "What does this have to do with real life?"
And James the Lesser said, "Now what was that again?"

A Pharisee, who was present, asked to see Jesus' lesson plan and inquired of Jesus, "Where are your anticipatory set and objectives in the cognitive domain?"

AND JESUS WEPT!!!!

Dale Bargmann,
dale@welcometohosanna.com
http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - September 7, 2007

2007-09-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hello,

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

Here is the link to the September Hotline (Reminder that September 15 is the deadline for the October Hotline):
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

This coming Sunday is a big day!

Back to three Worship Services with the return of Faith Journey and the 9:30 AM Contemporary Service.

Rally Day @ 9:30 am. Kids, come meet your teachers!

This is also Camper Sunday. Wear your Lutherhill t-shirt and bring your photos.

CREW Begins with a welcome breakfast that morning @ 9:30 and begins meeting that night from 6-8 PM.

Hosanna WELCA Christmas in September Bake Sale is from 9-12 noon
Support families in need at Christmas by buying goodies.

Sunday Adult Education begins a new series. It's time to learn something new…

Sunday Adult Education @ 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course is led by Pastor Paul Frerking.course is a balanced, critical look at Martin Luther. Each one hour session is designed as a 30-minute lecture on DVD, followed by a 30 minute group discussion.

Other items, in no particular order

IHN Week begins NEXT SUNDAY, September 16. Call Nickie Brooks. There is still a need for Evening Hosts, moving beds in, moving out, and driving the van and truck.

Important Congregation Meeting next Sunday after 11 AM Worship. There will be a Pot Luck beforehand, sponsored by Council. Sign up in the Narthex. The agenda includes, amongst other things, the Call Committee.

September Senior’s Group Trip
American Alpaca Farm (near Navasota) Tuesday, September 25. Meet at Hosanna @ 8:15 AM; return by 5 PM. Cost: $5/person plus lunch at Martha’s Bloomers Restaurant, plant nursery and gift shop. Sign up in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Cecelia Gabrielson: 281-376-2258.

Attention all men, women and high school golfers.
Time to sign-up for the Hosanna Fall Golf Classic, Saturday October 13. It is an 8 AM shotgun start at the Texas National Golf Course near Willis, TX.per player is $43 which includes free range balls, green fees, golf cart and a hamburger buffet lunch.Sign-up in the north narthex.checks payable to: Men of Hosanna or give cash to Bob McConnell. Deadline to reserve spots is Sunday, October 7.

You are invited to attend the installation of Michael Rinehart as Bishop of the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod Saturday, September 29 @ 1 PM, Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Lane (Westheimer at Beltway 8, SW Houston).

Hosanna needs your help! We are looking for 2-3 teachers for the high school and confirmation Sunday School classes. Sunday School can’t run with out you! We are also needing substitute teachers!

Note to anyone laying claim to plants on the church grounds... They need to be dug up no later than September 16, and please take only those plants with orange tags.

A Little Humor...

Just because I'm having one of those frustrating computer days:

In Computer Heaven:

The management is from Intel,
The design and construction is done by Apple,
The marketing is done by Microsoft,
IBM provides the support,
Gateway determines the pricing.

In Computer Hell:
The management is from Apple,
Microsoft does design and construction,
IBM handles the marketing,
The support is from Gateway,
Intel sets the price.

Dale Bargmann,
dale@welcometohosanna.com

http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberline - August 31, 2007

2007-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hello from Dale Bargmann.

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

Here is the link to the September Hotline (mailed to homes this week):
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

It’s time to come back to Hosanna. Vacation is over. There’s plenty going on and your smiling faces are missed.

Worship service times for this Sunday (last time): 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.
________________________________________________________________

Next Sunday, September 9, is a big day with lot’s going on!

Resume regular schedule: Worship @ 8, 9:30 and 11 AM, with Adult Education and Sunday school @ 9:30 AM.

It’s also Sunday School Rally Day @ 9:30 am. Kids, come meet your teachers!

It’s also Camper Sunday. Wear your Lutherhill t-shirt and bring your photos!

CREW starts up again with a welcome breakfast @ 9:30 AM.

CREW also meets that night from 6-8 PM.

Furthermore, Hosanna Women of the ELCA
Christmas in September Bake Sale
is from 9-12 noon. Please support families in need at Christmas
by buying goodies.
________________________________________________________________

Urgent appeal from Amber Walker: looking for 2-3 teachers for the high school and confirmation Sunday school classes. Sunday school can’t run with out you! We are also need substitute teachers! Everything is online and easy to use (Akaloo and Here We Stand from Augsburg)
________________________________________________________________

Sunday Adult Education: A Time to learn…
Adult Education @ 9:30 AM features Luther: Gospel, Law and Reformation by professor Phillip Cary. This 24-week course will be led by Pastor Paul Frerking starting September 9. The course is a balanced, critical look at Martin Luther. Each one hour session is designed as a 30-minute lecture on DVD, followed by a 30 minute group discussion
________________________________________________________________

Important Congregation Meeting September 16 after
11 AM Worship. There will be a Pot Luck beforehand, sponsored by Council. Sign up in the Narthex.
________________________________________________________________

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Volunteers Needed
Please see the green insert to help host our IHN guests here at Hosanna. We are their home for one week, so let's give them a warm Hosanna welcome. Evening and overnight hosts are still needed, also move in and out help and someone to provide lunch ingredients.
_________________________________________________________________

Bernie Brown and Pastor Bill met this week to finalize Confirmation plans. Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, September 19 - Parent/Confirmands Meeting @ 7 PM with Pastor Bill
Wednesday, September 26 - Confirmation Classes begin @ 7-8:30 PM
Sunday, October 14 - Confirmation Rehearsal@ 4 PM
Sunday, October 14 - Confirmation Banquet @ 5 PM
Sunday, October 21 - Confirmation Sunday @ 11 PM Service
Book Discussion
________________________________________________________________

The Hosanna Book Discussion is open to everyone who enjoys reading and discussing what they have read. The next meeting is this coming Saturday, September 8 @ 6 PM. The book is When the Lion Roars, by DiAnn Mills, and Ms. Mills will be present to discuss her book(s) and sign autographs.
The next book discussion will be Saturday, October 13.

________________________________________________________________

Interested in a week-night study group?
Every Monday night, the group meets at the home of Dale and Georgia Bargmann, in Ella Crossing (just south of Hosanna): 16523 Brightling Lane. Send Dale Bargmann an email if you would like to come. Currently, we are discussing the life of Martin Luther. No meeting on Labor Day; meet again on the 10th.

________________________________________________________________

Attention all men, women and high school golfers.
Time to sign-up for the Hosanna Fall Golf Classic, Saturday
October 13. It is an 8 AM shotgun start at the Texas National Golf Course near Willis, TX. Cost per player is $43 which includes free range balls, green fees, golf cart and a hamburger buffet lunch. Sign-up in the north narthex. Make checks payable to: Men of Hosanna or give cash to Bob McConnell. Deadline to reserve a spot is Sunday, October 7.
________________________________________________________________

A Little Humor

So a five dollar bill walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Hey. This is a singles bar."

A horse walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Why the long face?"

So this anteater walks into a bar and says, I'd like a drink.

"Okay. How about a beer?" says the bartender.

"Noooooooooo,"

"Then how about a gin and tonic?"

"Noooooooooo."

"A martini?"

"Noooooooooo. "

"Hey, listen buddy, if you don't mind me asking, why the long no's?"
_________________________________________________________________
Two atoms are drinking at the bar. Suddenly one says to the other, "I've just lost one of my electrons! And the other says, "Are you positive?"
_________________________________________________________________
How do you drive an engineer completely insane?

Tie him to a chair, stand in front of him, and fold up a road map the wrong way.
_________________________________________________________________
A person walking on a country lane sees a farmer standing in the middle of his farm, doing nothing in particular. The person calls out, "What are you doing in there?"

The farmer replies, "I'm trying to get a Nobel Prize!"

The person asks, "How can you get a Nobel Prize, doing nothing like that?"

And the farmer answers, "I hear they give out Nobel Prizes to people who are out standing in their field."
_________________________________________________________________

Have a fabulous and safe Labor Day,
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - August 24, 2007

2007-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

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).
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________

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!
_________________________________________________________________________

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.
_________________________________________________________________________

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?
___________________________________________________________________________

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

2007-08-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

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.
_______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________________________

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

2007-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Hosanna Cyberfline - July 26, 2007

2007-07-26T13:34:00.001-07:00

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.
________________________________________________________________

Nita Auer has asked that students heading for college furnish the church office with their mailing addresses and contact information. 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 included in “This Week at Hosanna.”

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.
____________________________________________________________
EverBlest Choir Concert at Hosanna, Thursday, August 2

The EverBlest Choir, a youth ministry from Cambridge Lutheran Church, Cambridge, Minnesota, is coming to Hosanna for a concert, Thursday, August 2,@ 7 PM. See the poster in the hallway.

The grandmother of one of the choir members is providing an evening meal for the group members (25 students + 4 adult chaperones). Hosanna members have been asked to bring desserts; also a few people are needed to help set up for and serve the meal. Please let the church office know if you can help. We will also need goodies after the concert.
___________________________________________________________________

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.
________________________________________________________________

Hello from Rock Point Arizona...
Amber and CREW posted several articles with photos on the Hosanna Blog during their mission trip to the Navajo reservation in Arizona, Click here to read about their rewarding experience: http://welcometohosanna.blogspot.com/
(or click HOSANNA BLOG on the home page).
________________________________________________________________
Some repeat announcements from last week:

From the Finance Team

“Based on 1) projected 2007 third quarter income; 2) adjusted expenditures which recognize the change in our pastoral situation; and 3) our cash balance position going into the quarter, we will only be able to fund a portion of the high priority items that were established at the council meeting.”

The list shows the following high priority items which “will not be funded at this time, and thus no commitments or expenditures should be incurred for these items.”
$ 600 Faith Chests, Milestone ministries
$ 150 Altar Guild expenses
$ 477 Office supplies
$ 410 Postage
$ 7,200 Benevolence (includes one month in arrears)
$ 120 Cleaning supplies
$ 1,050 Lawn maintenance (mowing)

What can you do about it?
1) Keep your commitments to our work current, in spite of the summer “slump.”
2) Consider paying ahead on your commitments if possible. One of our members has already made such a contribution, or we would be in an even more difficult position.
3) If you are so called, you can make a designated special contribution to cover all or part of any of these areas.
4) Pray for the ministry done at Hosanna, and for guidance for the Council who must make difficult financial choices.
You can contribute online to the work of Hosanna at:
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/specialwebapp.vps?appid=40a27221f816144b21e9f2e0d81891b8a68820b814b79fc6caf83c6a4fcf06b22f288aa4a34fa442a76b20a4eb1041b0acf115796ad0b2543498c95cb883c814
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.
Nancy Agafitei, Stewardship Team Leader

Finally, a note about the “information” survey included in This Week at Hosanna the past two weeks: It was never my intention to eliminate any of the pieces of information sent out from Hosanna. It was simply a way to find out what types of information should be included in each publication. I will continue to keep everyone informed by whatever means possible, be it printed or electronic. The Hotline will be sent every month. This Week at Hosanna will be available to everyone attending worship and online, this Cyberline will be sent out every Friday (and posted to the Blog) and will be the primary means of sending emergency notification. Those who need to be notified by phone, because of not having internet access, will be called. The office needs to know who they are (there aren’t many; right now we have 4 people on the list). Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

A Little Humor

"There will be a meeting of the Board immediately after the service," announced the pastor. After the close of the service, a group gathered at the back of the auditorium for the announced meeting, including a visitor who had never attended their church before. "My friend," asked the pastor, did you understand that this is a meeting of the Board?" "Yes," said thevisitor, "and after that sermon, I'm about as bored as you can get!"

A preacher phoned the city's newspaper: "Thank you very much," said he, "for the error you made when you announced my sermon topic for last Sunday. The topic I sent you was 'What Jesus saw in a Publican.' You printed it as 'What Jesus Saw in a Republican' I had the biggest crowd of the year!"
The chairman of the pastor search committee informed the congregation: "Next Sunday our visiting preacher will be the Rev. Bill Oaks. If you would like to see the other preachers, you will find them hanging in the vestibule."
________________________________________________________________

Continue to keep Hosanna in your prayers during this time decision.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberline - July 20, 2007

2007-07-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 22: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the August Hotline (printed today and mail Tuesday):
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.
________________________________________________________________
Hello from Rock Point Arizona...

Amber and CREW have been posted articles (photos too!) on the Hosanna Blog during their mission trip to the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Click here to read about their rewarding experience (it sounds like they're having a great time): http://welcometohosanna.blogspot.com (or click HOSANNA BLOG on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com).
______________________________________________________________
From the Finance Team

The congregation should be aware of the following message that the Finance Team, chaired by Ed Williams, sent to all Council members on July 18.

“Based on 1) projected 2007 third quarter income; 2) adjusted expenditures which recognize the change in our pastoral situation; and 3) our cash balance position going into the quarter, we will only be able to fund a portion of the high priority items that were established at the council meeting.”
The list shows the following high priority items which “will not be funded at this time, and thus no commitments or expenditures should be incurred for these items.”
$ 600 Faith Chests, Milestone ministries
$ 150 Altar Guild expenses
$ 477 Office supplies
$ 410 Postage
$ 7,200 Benevolence (includes one month in arrears)
$ 120 Cleaning supplies
$ 1,050 Lawn maintenance (mowing)

I am sure that you agree with the Congregation Council that these are all High Priority items for doing God’s work at Hosanna.
What can you do about it?

1) Keep your commitments to our work current, in spite of the summer “slump.”
2) Consider paying ahead on your commitments if possible. One of our members has already made such a contribution, or we would be in an even more difficult position.
3) If you are so called, you can make a designated special contribution to cover all or part of any of these areas.
4) Pray for the ministry done at Hosanna, and for guidance for the Council who must make difficult financial choices.

You can contribute online to the work of Hosanna at:
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/specialwebapp.vps?appid=40a27221f816144b21e9f2e0d81891b8a68820b814b79fc6caf83c6a4fcf06b22f288aa4a34fa442a76b20a4eb1041b0acf115796ad0b2543498c95cb883c814

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, 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 the 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 reported that we cannot get volunteers to tend the barked beds. The commercial service charges an extra $50 a month (or $600/year) to care for the beds.

We face some difficult decisions. To save 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.

Email Robert Dejmal to have your name added to one of the four Yard Teams.

Nancy Agafitei, Stewardship Team Leader

Finally, a note about the “information” survey included in This Week at Hosanna the past two weeks: It was never my intention to eliminate any of the pieces of information sent out from Hosanna. It was simply a way to find out what types of information should be included in each publication. I will continue to keep everyone informed by whatever means possible, be it printed or electronic. The Hotline will be sent every month. This Week at Hosanna will be available to everyone attending worship and online, this Cyberline will be sent out every Friday (and posted to the Blog) and will be the primary means of sending emergency notification. Those who need to be notified by phone, because of not having internet access, will be called. The office needs to know who they are (there aren’t many; right now we have 4 people on the list). Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

A Little Humor

Why Jesus Loves Children

A Sunday school teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way
to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

This is not humor, but I think it’s a good way to end this Cyberline:

Every person needs four things to make life worthwhile:

We need to love. We also need to be loved. As anthropologist Margaret Mead puts it, "One of the oldest human needs is having someone wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night."

We need to learn. And not only for a few years when we are young. We must be life-long learners who never stop growing, never cease to improve. For when we no longer grow, we stagnate. And when we stagnate, we die.

Finally, we need to leave a legacy. It is a basic desire to want our lives to count for something. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

These are four needs that must never be neglected. Live fully, love completely, learn constantly and leave something worthwhile behind. It is the path to success. And to joy.

That’s a lot, but it’s important. I hope you took to the time to read it. Continue to keep Hosanna in your prayers during this time decision.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Happy tristadecaphobia day!!!

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 15: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the July 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.

Today is the deadline for August HOTLINE articles.
________________________________________________________________

NAM Back to School Drive:

The funds for the school project have come in well. Here’s an update:

It's that time of year again! NAM's annual Back to School distribution will take place Saturday, July 28. Last year, we provided school supplies and clothing to over 2,200 children in need.
NAM is able to order the school supplies in bulk, at a substantial discount. Thus far, we have already raised over $43,000 to cover the costs of this project! To serve all the children we expect on the 28th, we need to raise $22,000 more in the coming weeks.
If you would like to help, please go to our Virtual Back to School Drive at http://www.namonline.org/site/c.ktJYJ7MNIuE/b.2768741/k.758C/Virtual_BacktoSchool_Drive.htm.
________________________________________________________________

Amy Adams Needs Babysitter
Amy Adams needs a “babysitter” every other Saturday, from 7 AM to 2 PM for a 10-year-old girl. Transportation required. Call Amy or the church office.
________________________________________________________________

Anyone interested in participating 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. Email me if interested.
___________________________________________________________

A Little Humor (something for our brothers and sisters to the west):

You Might be a United Methodist if...

…You don't take Rolaids when your heart is strangely warmed

…You know that a circuit rider is not an electrical device

… You’ve ever owned a pair of cross and flame boxer shorts

... You sit while singing "Stand up, stand up for Jesus"

... Tithing is encouraged but widely ignored

... Half the people sitting in your pew lip-sync the words to the hymns

... The word apportionment sends a chill down your spine

... You realize pluralism isn't a communicable disease

... Your pastor has a hyphenated last name

... Names like Aldersgate, Asbury, and Epworth are vaguely familiar

... You consider the monthly potluck a sacrament

... The only church camp song you know by heart is "Kum ba yah"

… You’ve ever attended an Annual Conference and actually enjoyed it

... You have an unexplained yearning to visit Wesley's Chapel in London

... Your church is named for a geographical location rather than for a saint

... You realize that VBS isn't a sexually transmitted disease

... You accept the fact that the hymn "O, for a thousand tongues to sing" has almost as many stanzas as tongues

... You know that the Wesleyan Quadrilateral isn't a trick football play involving four lateral passes

... You know the difference between a "diagonal" minister and a "Diaconal" minister

... You say "trespasses" instead of "debts" in the Lord's Prayer and have no idea why

…You’d rather be branded with a hot iron than serve on the Nominating Committee

You’ve ever sipped Welch's grape juice out of a plastic shot glass during Communion

... You read over the Conference Journal with the same intensity you would read a John Grisham novel

... When the worship service lasts for more than one hour, the beeping of watch alarms drowns out the final hymn
________________________________________________________________

I think we Lutherans have some common ground with some of these items!

Until next week… Continue to pray for Hosanna during this time decision and transition.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - July 6, 2007

2007-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 8: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

First, Hosanna’s wheelchair has been located and it has been returned. Thank you.
________________________________________________________________

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Thanks to all those who have provided treats between services. Maybe this is the start of a new tradition at Hosanna?
________________________________________________________________

IHN coordinator Nickie Brooks expresses her thanks to all those who provided food, served as hosts, set up beds, drive and prepared meals during Hosanna’s IHN week. Next rotation: September 16-23.
________________________________________________________________

Jay Beech leads us in worship at both services this Sunday

Gifted song writer and performer Jay Beech is one of the most heralded artists in the Church. Jay serves as Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN and has performed and led worship all over the country. The author of The Church Song (We Are the Church), his hymns can be found in Worship and Praise and With One Voice and are sung at bible camps and in congregations throughout the United States.
________________________________________________________________

Seniors (50+) Outing: Imperial Rome and IMAX This Wednesday, July 11. The District 4 bus leaves Hosanna at 8;15 AM. There is no 10 AM Bible study that day.
Pastor Bill was invited to join the group, but he stated that he will be in the office.
________________________________________________________________

I have to admit to a couple errors in the July Hotline. In the list of staff on the back page I used the term “interim” for Pastor Schwertlich. It should have been “supply pastor.” I wasn’t aware of the difference until the meeting with Bishop Blom and the Hotline was printed and prepared for mailing prior to the meeting with the Bishop. Here is a link to the Interim pastor info page on the Synod web site: http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/interim.htm

The second goof was the Mission of the Month. It should have been NAM’s Back to School drive, not Lutheran Social Services. LSS is in August. Both need our support, though. NAM is far short of its goal of raising enough money to purchase school supplies for the disadvantaged. Save all your spare change and anything else you wish to donate to this cause. More details from the NAM web site:
NAM Back to school drive
Youngsters whose clothes don't fit and who don't have pencils or paper have difficult time learning. Your contributions help Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) provide basic school supplies and clothing to children in need. With your help young people start the school year feeling good about themselves and ready to learn. Their success in school now helps them be successful later in life. Cash donations enable NAM to buy items pre-packaged by grade level, in bulk and at a discount so your donations help more children.
► NAM wants to provide school supplies for more than 2000 children. They need $65.000 and have raised only $7,000 so far.
► $20 provides school supplies for one child.
► A $35 gift supplies clothing and shoes.
► $55 provides supplies, clothing and shoes.
► 55% of Spring, 30% of Klein and 32% of Cy-Fair, and 78% of Aldine ISD children are economically disadvantaged.
Donate online or call NAM: 281-885-4605.
Here’s the link to the NAM website:
http://www.namonline.org
________________________________________________________________

Beth Chaney, head of the Altar Guild, is still seeking volunteers to prepare communion for Sunday worship.
________________________________________________________________

A Little Humor:

Abraham announced to Isaac one day that he had decided to upgrade their family computer to Windows Vista.

Isaac said, "But father, we don't have enough memory!" To which Abraham replied, "Don't worry, my son, the Lord will provide the RAM."

The Athiest and the Loch Ness Monster

An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air then opened its mouth to swallow both. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"

The ferocious attack scene froze in place and, as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds.

"I thought you didn't believe in Me!"

"Come on God, give me a break!" the man pleaded. "Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!"

The Atheist continued, "God, please let the Loch Ness Monster become religious."

God replied, "So be it."

The scene starts up, with the atheist falling.

The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food you have so graciously provided..."
________________________________________________________________

Pray for all those who are ailing; rejoice for those who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Until next week…

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 29, 2007

2007-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 1: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the July Hotline, mailed to homes this week:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

First, does anyone know whereabouts of the wheelchair normally kept at the church? Please let the church office know ASAP. It is needed by a member.
________________________________________________________________

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. 20 attended last week’s Adult study. The discussion was lively and interesting.
________________________________________________________________

Jay Beech leads us in worship at both services next Sunday, July 8
Gifted song writer and performer Jay Beech is one of the most heralded artists in the Church. Jay serves as Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN and has performed and led worship all over the country. The author of The Church Song (We Are the Church), his hymns can be found in Worship and Praise and With One Voice and are sung at bible camps and in congregations throughout the United States.
________________________________________________________________

The meeting with Bishop Blom went very well last night. He did a good job of briefing us on the call process, especially the steps along the way and those things to avoid. After the meeting I decided to add a “Call Process Page” to the Hosanna website, with links to the Call Process Manual, Congregation Profile form and other tools that we will need. Look for the blue button on the Home page, lower center. After the call committee is formed and the members start filing reports, I will post them on this page for everyone to read. Therefore, please email all reports to me and I will upload them in pdf format. Also, when meeting dates are set, let Debbie or I know so we can post them on the Calendar.

________________________________________________________________

Amy Adams needs a babysitter every other Saturday, from 7 AM to 2 PM for a 10-year-old girl. Transportation required.
________________________________________________________________

If anyone would like to feel a little more enriched on Sunday mornings or maybe want to become one of God's flock, contact Beth Chaney, head of the Altar Guild. They are in need of some more volunteers:
________________________________________________________________

Last chance…. Seniors (50+) Outing: Imperial Rome and IMAX Wednesday, July 11

Imperial Rome at HMNS and Louisiana Bayou at IMAX:
Take a glimpse into life during the Roman Empire from 27 BC to the middle of the third century AD as you encounter objects related to elaborate banquets, Roman baths, religious beliefs, public ceremonies, successful trade systems and powerful emperors. Then head for IMAX to tour the Louisiana Bayou and the city of New Orleans, before and after Katrina. The District 4 bus departs from Hosanna @ 8:15 AM. Cost is $16. Lunch (not included) at Luby’s Cafeteria.
________________________________________________________________

NAM Back to school drive
Youngsters whose clothes don't fit and who don't have pencils or paper have a difficult time learning. Your contributions help Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) provide basic school supplies and clothing to children in need. With your help young people start the school year feeling good about themselves and ready to learn. Their success in school now helps them be successful later in life. Cash donations enable NAM to buy items pre-packaged by grade level, in bulk and at a discount so your donations help more children.
► NAM wants to provide school supplies for more than 2000 children. They need $65.000 and have raised only $7,000 so far.
► $20 provides school supplies for one child.
► A $35 gift supplies clothing and shoes.
► $55 provides supplies, clothing and shoes.
► 55% of Spring, 30% of Klein and 32% of Cy-Fair, and 78% of Aldine ISD children are economically disadvantaged.
Donate online or call NAM: 281-885-4605.
Here’s the link to the NAM website:
http://www.namonline.org
________________________________________________________________

A Little Humor:

Here are some “engage brain before speaking” bloopers…

This is a place that would be pretty much like the place that I would have grown up in, I think, if I had have grown up here. (Alan Keyes, on the Chicago neighborhood he moved to when he decided to run for the U.S. Senate)

When he makes a decision, there’s no arms thrown in the air and no gestating. (Irish soccer star Niall Quinn, on a referee).

I wish my dear departed dad was here because he was like a father figure to me. (Contestant of the TV show The Weakest Link)

How to protect your neighborhood against crime and Jennifer Beals, star of The Bride. Live at five. (Tease on CBS TV, New York)

That’s all for this week. Take care everyone and God bless.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 22, 2007

2007-06-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hope you are having a great day. If not, take a deep breath, slow down and say a prayer for calm. Talk things over with God. That's what I had to do yesterday. It's been a week filled with computer/software glitches (I won't go into details). Anyway, things are better today. My prayer for guidance and strength to calmly work things through seems to have been answered.

Here is the link to the weekly news for June 24: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the June Hotline on last time:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
The July edition will be mailed early next week.
________________________________________________________________

Now for matters at hand for the coming week:

First, this coming Thursday, June 28 at 7 PM, Bishop Paul Blom will be coming to Hosanna to go over the process of calling a pastor. He will answer any questions we might have as we move forward. There will be refreshments and childcare. We are encouraging everyone to attend.

I've added links to the "Call Process Manual" on the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod website to our website. http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Click the "Forms, Documents, Policies" link on the home page. You will see three links on the top left. One is the manual itself, another it is to the forms that need to be filled out. The third is the email address for attaching the completed forms. Here is the link to the call manual:
http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/call_manual.htm

Another parent of a Hosanna member has passed away. Sue King lost her mom Margaret this week. Pray for her as she must now go through the grief process. The funeral is in Ft. Collins, Colorado (where my daughter Jennifer lives.)

The results of last week's survey regarding worship service times: 116 attended the two services last week. Roughly half liked the 8:15/10:45 AM option. 15 responses had "write-ins" for a single service; most suggested 10 AM. Another 18 wanted to stay with the 8/11 AM times. I received a number of emails regarding this matter. Two expressed disagreement with changing the service times. The others liked the idea.

My personal opinion, for what it's worth: I would like to see one service, at least for the next year. My reasoning: it would bring us all together as a worshiping community. Also, it creates a favorable impression on visitors to see a full sanctuary rather than one with say 30 or 40 people. The singing is better, the energy level is greater. We don't have to stay with the same service format every week. The second and/or fourth can be contemporary; the first and third can be "traditional." Anyway, those are my thoughts. I await yours and will pass them on to the Spiritual Life Team who is ultimately responsible for any decisions in this matter.
__________________________________________________________

Other matters, in no particular order:

July 4th falls on Wednesday this year. No Bible study that day.July 11. No Bible study (also a Wednesday) as most of the participants will be heading for the "Imperial Rome" exhibit. Seniors, make sure you sign up as we need to get right number of tickets. Cost is $16 for both
Rome and IMAX.
___________________________________________________________
Pastor Bill Schwertlich will be with us through August to lead worship on Sunday mornings. He will also be in the office on Wednesdays. He facilitated last week's Bible study and, in my opinion, it went well.
___________________________________________________________
Pastor Tart completed packing his office on Wednesday. He has posted a thank you letter on the Hosanna Blog (see the Home Page of our website for the link). The names of the Mulkey Scholarship recipients are posted there too.
________________________________________________
Don't forget your name tags!
___________________________________________________________

Here are some things we all should know:
1. A growing church is not necessarily a healthy church.
2. A healthy church is not necessarily a growing church.
3. Modern ("contemporary") worship does not always make a church grow.
4. "Traditional" worship does not always keep a church from growing.
5. The most important: The Bible usually stresses the health of a church rather than the "growth" of that church.
6. The momentum belongs to God. When we forget that it's all about Jesus Christ and him crucified, and that it's his church, not ours, then we get ourselves into trouble.
___________________________________________________________
NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT:

Eight Characteristics of a Healthy Church as described in the book, Natural Church Development, by Christian Schwarz.

Through scientific research in Christian churches of various denominations in over 100 countries, it has been discovered that every healthy, growing church has eight characteristics in common:

Empowering Leadership Functional Structures Gift-Oriented Ministry Holistic Small Groups Inspiring Worship Loving Relationships Need-Oriented Evangelism Passionate Spirituality

Some or all of these characteristics can be found in all churches; however, the KEY words are the adjectives preceding the characteristic (i.e., Empowering Leadership, Loving relationships, Inspiring, etc.).

________________________________________________________
A Little Humor

E-mail Snafu
It's wise to remember how easily e-mail can sometimes be misused. Consider the case of the Illinois man who left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day.

When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick e-mail. Unable to find the scrap paper he had written her address on, he did his best to type it from memory. Unfortunately, he missed one letter and his note was directed to an elderly deacon's wife, whose husband had just passed away the day before.

When the grieving widow checked her e-mail, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream and fell to the floor in a dead faint. At the sound, her family came rushing into the room and saw this note on the screen:

"Dearest Wife: Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here."

Sermon Text

During the course of a bitter pastor-congregation dispute, the church's pastor quit and found a job working as a chaplain at the local jail. On his last Sunday with the church, just before he left for his new job at the jail, he preached as his sermon text John 14:3:

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Until next week, God willing,
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 15, 2007

2007-06-19T18:19:00.001-07:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening:

Here is the link to the weekly news for June 17: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the June Hotline, mailed to homes last week:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

We continue to mourn the loss of Pastor Tart’s mother. She died Thursday morning. As related in yesterday’s emergency Cyberline, the funeral is Monday @ 11 AM at St. Paul Lutheran in New Braunfels. Please send any cards or memorials to the Tart residence: 5603 Springton Lane, Spring, TX 77379.

Quick feedback needed:

How about 8:15 and 10:30 AM for summer worship service times?

Call the church office ASAP!!! or drop me an email.

________________________________________________________________
The big item that I want to call everyone’s attention to is that Bishop Blom will meet with ALL the Hosanna family Thursday, June 28 @ 7 PM. He will cover the process for calling a new pastor and answer any questions regarding the procedure. EVERYONE, AND I MEAN EVERYONE, IS INVITED. No one should miss this meeting.
________________________________________________________________
This just in: Nancy Agafitei informed me that the next Book Discussion has been postponed until July due to scheduling conflicts with some of those who normally attend. The new date will be announced later.
________________________________________________________________
From Nita Auer: Time to dig your name tags out of mothballs and start wearing them again, not just because we will have an interim pastor, but for visitors as well.
________________________________________________________________
One more time…
Help is still needed with the IHN, which starts this coming Sunday. Call Nickie Brooks 281-288/-6370
I will serve as evening host (7:00-8:30 PM) on ___ Sun 6/17, ___ Mon 6/18, ___ Tue 6/19, ___ Wed 6/20.
___ Thu 6/21, ___ Fri 6/22, ___ Sat 6/23.
I will help move beds into Hosanna facilities, make up beds and set up rooms following the 11 AM service on Sun 6/17.
I will help with move out on Sun 6/24 at 7 AM.
I will drive the van on Sat 6/23 at 9 AM & 5 PM (need 1 driver)
________________________________________________________________

Also, I need any and all articles for BOTH the July and August Hotlines submitted ASAP. THE DEADLINE IS TODAY. I’m attempting to work ahead because my wife Georgia and I will be vacationing the last two weeks in July and the first week in August. Also, the “Thoughts that seem important” column that Pastor Tart always wrote will be retained, but I am opening it up to anyone who would like to express themselves. Please email your commentaries to me: dale@welcometohosanna.com
________________________________________________________________

Summer schedule begins this Sunday, June 17 with worship
@ 8 and 11 AM, fellowship and education hour @ 9:30 AM. Pastor William Schwertlich will be officiating.
________________________________________________________________

Family Life News:

CREW meets on Monday nights from 6:30 - 8:30. Also, trip money is due by July 1 so check your mail for your bill.

Confirmands leave for camp this month. If you would like to drop them a line let me know and I will get you the address.
________________________________________________________________

Also this Sunday is the Mission of the Month “noisy offering” for “Planting New Congregations.”

Dig into your pockets, pull out any loose change and deposit it in the containers labeled “Planting New Congregations” that the Stewardship Team will have at the back of the church.
________________________________________________________________

A Little Humor:

Here’s a couple for you this week. (My thanks to Linda Carter for this first one):

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the church foyer staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names with small American flags mounted on either side of it.

The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly: "Good morning, Alex."

"Good morning, Pastor, what is this?" he asked the pastor.

The pastor said, "Well, son, it's a memorial plaque to all the young men and women who died in the Service."

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear, asked:

"Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?"
________________________________________________________________

Here’s a blooper from my desk calendar:

Those hefty N’Awlins gals

“…Later, a tow truck also got stuck in the canal while trying to help two other vehicles, [said spokesman Joe] Pugia, adding that the land was probably unstable because of the recent dry weather. A flatbed truck equipped with wenches rescued all three vehicles in the late afternoon.”

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune

Happy Father's Day to all us fathers.
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - June 8, 2007

2007-06-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening:

Here is the link to the weekly news for the coming Sunday: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

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

First, some urgent business:

Assistance is still needed with IHN this week. Call Nickie Brooks (281-288-6370) to help with any of these items:

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) June 17—24

I will help another family prepare and serve an evening meal ___ Sun 6/17, ___ Mon 6/18, ___ Thu 6/21, ___ Fri 6/22, ___ Sat 6/23.

I will serve as evening host (7:00-8:30 PM) on ___ Sun 6/17, ___ Mon 6/18, ___ Tue 6/19, ___ Wed 6/20.
___ Thu 6/21, ___ Fri 6/22, ___ Sat 6/23.

I will serve as overnight host (a couple, 2 men, 2 women) on ___ Sun 6/17, ___ Mon 6/18, ___ Tue 6/19, ___ Wed 6/20.
___ Thu 6/21, ___ Fri 6/22, ___ Sat 6/23.

I will help move beds into Hosanna facilities, make up beds and set up rooms following the 11 AM service on Sun 6/17.

I will help with move out on Sun 6/24 at 7 AM.

I will drive the van on ___ Sun 6/17 at 5:00 PM, ___ Sun 6/17at 7:30 AM, ____Sat 6/23 at 9 AM & 5 PM (need 1 driver)

I will drive the truck on ____Sun 6/17 (time to be announced)

________________________________________________________________
The title of Pastor Tart’s final sermon at Sunday morning worship at Hosanna is “Do Not Weep.”
________________________________________________________________
Congratulations to Kyle Woods on the occasion of his First Communion this Sunday.
________________________________________________________________
We also congratulate Joseph Otis Velasco and Kamryn Christine Woods on their baptisms at the 9:30 AM worship service this Sunday.
________________________________________________________________

This is a little early, but I need any and all articles for BOTH the July and August Hotlines submitted ASAP. I’m attempting to work ahead because my wife Georgia and I will be vacationing the last two weeks in July and the first week in August. Also, the “Thoughts that seem important” column that Pastor Tart always wrote will be retained, but I am opening it up to anyone who would like to express their thoughts or ideas. Please email them to me: dale@welcometohosanna.com
________________________________________________________________

Summer schedule begins Next Sunday, June 17 with worship
@ 8 and 11 AM, fellowship and education hour @ 9:30 AM.

________________________________________________________________
Rev. Bill Schwertlich will be serving Hosanna as supply pastor on Sundays and Wednesdays through August. For pastoral care, contact the church office. If you have any questions or concerns about pastoral ministry during this time, contact Sue King, Staff Support Team leader.
________________________________________________________________

Adult Education will continue through the summer months with the study, “Daily Discipleship.” It is an Online Bible study designed for personal devotions, small or large groups. Each session can be downloaded and copied for participants, in PDF format or MS Word.

You can read the lessons and print out the study at the Bible Studies Online link on the Home Page of the Hosanna Website:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/Bible_Study.htm

________________________________________________________________
Family Life News:

VBS: VBS starts Sunday evening, June 10 with dinner served at 5:30 PM. VBS itself is from 6:30 to 8 PM. You can still sign on the Home Page of the Hosanna Website (see the gold button near the bottom), or click here:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/VBS_Registration_Form.htm
The form also includes a sign up for those who can help with VBS.

Summer Sunday school starts June 10 and we still need a couple more teachers. Please see Amber if you would like to help out. The curriculum is great and online for your convenience.

CREW we will continue to meet this summer on Monday nights from 6:30 - 8:30. Also, your trip money is due by July 1 so check your mail for your bill.

Confirmands leave for camp this month. If you would like to drop them a line let me know and I will get you the address.
________________________________________________________________

Next Sunday, June 17, is the Mission of the Month “noisy offering” for “Planting New Congregations.”

Dig into your pockets, pull out any loose change and deposit it in the
containers labeled “Planting New Congregations” that the
Stewardship Team will have at the back of the church.
There are two startup congregations in the Houston area:
Joyful Life in The Woodlands and Celebration in Cypress.
Your contributions will help grow these missions.
________________________________________________________________

A Little Humor: Some bulletin bloopers

Don't let worry kill you - let the church help.

Thursday night - Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

The rosebud on the alter this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Tuesday at 4:00 PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing "Put me in my little bed" accompanied by the pastor.

Thursday at 5:00 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.
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Have a great day. Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com