First Holy Communion 2020

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Update – March 26

This class has been postponed until a new date can be determined.  This is due to the suspension of activities due to the COVID19 pandemic situation.  Contact the church office or see this page for future updates.

 

 

 

 

First Holy Communion Class begins this month

By Pastor David Tinker

pastordjt@industryinet.com       979-278-3388

 

The First Holy Communion class will be offered March 22 and 29, and April 5on Sunday mornings, starting at about 11:15 a.m. in the Mission & Ministry Building.

 

First Holy Communion at MLLC is most often offered to elementary age students, in 5th grade and younger.  Our goal is to make sure youth who are part of MLLC have begun communing by the end of 5th grade.  The 5th grade tradition does not prevent younger students from attending the class and receiving Holy Communion.  Each year for the past several years we have had youth in younger grades participating in the class.  It is likely that most of the youth participating in the class will be younger.

 

Students are encouraged to bring a Bible for use in class, as well as paper/pen for any notes they might want to write.  If students don’t have access to a Bible we have one for their use.  Note that each student will be presented with a Bible on First Communion Thursday – April 9/Maundy Thursday – for his or her personal study and for use in Sunday School, Confirmation and Worship.  Parents/Grandparents/Guardians are welcome and encouraged to be present at this class time.  We will meet in the Mission & Ministry Building, but will also move to other places in the building for parts of the lessons.

First Communion Group 2017

The class will include instruction, discussion, videos, mini-field trips in the church building, etc.

Due to the late date of Resurrection Sunday/Easter Sunday this year (April 12), there should be little or no problem with Spring Break from school for the students.

 

Also, one of the classes will include bread baking by the students.  This bread will be used at their First Communion service.

First Holy Communion Prep 1

Here is the schedule:

Sundays, March 22 and 29, April 5

11:15 a.m. – about 12:30 p.m.

If one or more of these dates is/are not workable for your family, I am very glad to work out make up lessons for your student.  That way he or she will not miss out of the learning and special service this year.

 

If you are unsure if your child is ready to participate in this class, please read through this article which was published on our church web site a few years ago.

Thursday, April 9        7:30 p.m.             Maundy Thursday Service, First Holy Communion Day

Presentation of Bible to students during worship – Church gives to Parent/Grandparent, then the parent/grandparent presents Bible to student. We will go over this before that Thursday, so all are ready.

Students please arrive by 7:00 p.m. to make sure all our plans are in order for what we will be doing at worship.  Also, families may wish to take photos before worship, for this is the best time to do this.  The altar area will be bare of all decorations, candles, banners, etc. after worship due to the “Stripping of the Altar” during the service.

 

I look forward to exploring this wonderful sacrament with your child.  This is a very exciting time of growth for these young people and for their families.  If you have any questions or special needs, please feel free to contact me. See email and phone number above.

Louis Kartous Obituary

We remember Louis Kartous

Louis was a active participant in our life together.  He was also a friendly, local business owner who served many in the Carmine community.

 

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Here is the obituary for Louis as we had it printed in the memorial service bulletin.

THE OBITUARY

LOUIS WESLEY KARTOUS

Louis Wesley Kartous 89, of Carmine, TX. passed away at his home on December 16, 2019.

Louis was born on March 26, 1930 in Dallas, TX. to Louis J. and Emily Takats Kartous, where he grew up.  Louis married Nancy Lee Blackburn in December 1959.

Louis was a Veteran of the Korean War and served in the Marines and the Navy.  While in the Navy he learned the trade of typewriter repair, which was his career until retirement.

Louis was also a 67yr. member of the Masonic Masons, serving as Worshipful Master of the LaFayette Masonic Lodge #34 from 2004-2005.

Louis was most passionate about Thoroughbred racehorses and horse racing.  He owned and trained racehorses most of his life until his health stopped him in 1991.

In 1998, Louis and Nancy made Carmine their home.  That is when he opened Fayette County Rebuilders and became known as the “alternator man”.   He also dabbled in repairing and selling pocket watches and mantle clocks.  Louis loved auctions and estate sales.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Lee Kartous, wife, Nancy L. Kartous and his brother Edward J. Kartous.

Louis is survived by daughter, Cherrie Wines, sister, Emily Branum, granddaughters, Esther Elster, husband Devin, Gabrielle Wines and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 362, Carmine, Texas 78932-0362 or a charity of one’s choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Weidemann Obituary

Jack-Weidemann from web site

Remembering Jack Weidemann

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Jack Weidemann.  Jack was involved in various ministries of MLLC, and also served as our custodian for several years.

Here is the obituary as published in the service bulletin.

THE OBITUARY

Jack Weldon Weidemann was born on December 20, 1937 in Burton, Texas to Woodrow and Hildegard (Emmrich) Weidemann.  He was baptized August 25, 1941 by Pastor William Mueller, Sr. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings.  He was confirmed April 6, 1952 also at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings by Pastor Fred Mgebroff.  His confirmation verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran College and a masters from Southwest Texas.  Jack married Bobbie Menix on May 30, 1965 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas. They were blessed with six children and fifty-four and a half years of marriage.

He worked as a band director and guidance counselor for forty-nine years at several different school districts in Texas and Alaska. Jack was very involved in the community and at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine.  He was a member of the Giddings Noon Lions Club and was a leader for Boy Scout Troop 144.  At Martin Luther he was involved with Lutheran Men in Mission, Lutheran Brotherhood, played in the instrumental group, played the tone chimes, sang in the choir, and served in many other leadership positions.  He enjoyed music in every form, especially polka.  Jack could be found in the kitchen making homemade wine or baking, and in the garage doing woodwork.  Birdwatching was one of his favorite pastimes and he also collected eagle statues, beer steins, and lighthouses.  He loved learning new things and could be found with a new book in his hands.  Jack looked forward to time spent with family and friends.

He passed away the evening of Saturday, December 28, 2019 at his home in Ledbetter at the age of 82.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow & Hildegard Weidemann; son, Jamon Weidemann; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan & Billy Els.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Weidemann of Ledbetter; five children, Jonathan & Missy Weidemann of Cedar Creek, Jason & Renee Weidemann of Giddings, Jessica Weidemann of Ledbetter, Joah & Heather Weidemann of Wolfforth, and Jordan & Lori Weidemann of Ledbetter; twelve grandchildren, Janette Weidemann, Johnathan, Celeste, & Alyssa Navarro, Julie, Jaci, Avery, Wyatt, & Rory Weidemann, Jadon Weidemann, and Kelci & Ava Weidemann; and two great grandchildren, Carson and Ryker.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, the Martin Luther Lutheran Church Tone Chime Fund, PO Box 362, Carmine, TX 78932, or to Parkinson’s Disease research.

Shirley Tingley Obituary

Remembering Shirley Fritsch Tingley

 

Shirley Tingley was a friend of MLLC, and was a regular visitor at worship on Sundays after she moved to Carmine to be near family.  She was the mother of MLLC member Diane Tovey.  We give thanks for her life and ministry among us.

 

Here is the obituary notice for Shirley

October 14, 1936 – January 8, 2020

Shirley Fritsch (Lowery) Tingley, long -time resident of College Station, passed away January 8 at the age of 83. Her life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in College Station, Texas located at 220 Rock Prairie Road.

Shirley was born October 14, 1936 in Schulenburg, attended Round Top- Carmine Elementary and graduated in 1954 from Weimer HS where she served the band as drum major. She also studied Home Economics at Texas Lutheran College.

Shirley’s career began at Foley’s in Houston where she was an assistant buyer for the sporting goods department. She also served many years as office administrator for several dentists and retired from the office of Dr. Peggy Levin in Clear Lake.

Shirley had many talents and interests and was a dedicated volunteer. She was active in the Presbyterian Church and served as Elder and PW Moderator. She was a Team Mother, Scout Leader and a lifetime member of the PTA. Her favorite roll was serving as President of the TAMU Aggie Mom’s Federation 1994-95.

Shirley was married to Doyal Lowery on Christmas Day, 1958 in Trinity, Tx. They resided in Pasadena until Doyal’s death in 1978. She raised three children and worked in the Pasadena area prior to relocating to College Station.Shirley found love again in 1991 when she married L.H. “Laurie” Tingley, a brilliant man, true Aggie and wonderful father. Shirley and Laurie shared a passion for life through their love of church, family, travel and Texas Aggies until his death in 2011.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Harry Charles Fritsch and Margaret Kiel Fritsch; husbands Doyal Lowery, Laurie Tingley; sons Dodd Lowery, Walter Tingley; daughters Beverly Tingley Hall, Bettye Tingley Knuckey; nephew Nathan C. Fritsch;grandson Michael Hall; and great-grandson Colby Ericson.

Survivors include:Beloved Aunt, Jackie Kiel Simpson of Oklahoma City; brother Jim Fritsch and wife Sylvia of San Leon, TX; and several brothers and sister in laws. Children: Darrel Lowery and wife Brenda of Ashburn, VA; Diane Lowery Tovey and husband Robbie of Carmine, TX, Robin Tingley of Hockley, TX; Sonny Tingley and wife Edie of Winterhaven, FL; Venus Tingley of Spring , Tx; David Knuckey of Sweeny, TX; and Sheryl Tingley French and husband Jerry of Hockley, TX. She leaves a legacy of 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and a wonderful multitude of relatives, neighbors and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church at 220 Rock Prairie Rd in College Station, Brazos Valley Hospice 1600 Joseph Dr in Bryan, TX or The Royal and Doyal Lowery Memorial Scholarship Fund PO Box 1168 Trinity, TX 75862.

Preparing for the 12 Days of Christmas

Nativity Sacred Art NatShepherdMurillo

 

by Pastor David Tinker
Martin Luther Lutheran Church
Carmine, Texas

When are the 12 Days of Christmas?

The 12 Days of Christmas are the days of the Christmas Season. These are the days between the Nativity of our Lord (December 25) and the Epiphany of our Lord (January 6). There are 2 traditions of counting these 12 Days of Christmas. One tradition is that the 12 Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day, and conclude on “Twelfth Night”, which is January 5. The second tradition is that the 12 Days of Christmas begin on December 26, and run through January 6. “Twelfth Night” would then be January 6. Despite the promotions and activity of our culture, the Christian “Christmas Season” begins on Christmas Day, rather than during the time leading up to Christmas.

Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas

Here are some ways to mark the 12 Days of Christmas in your home and daily life.
— Daily read something in the Bible about the birth and youth of Jesus. Look especially in Matthew chapters 1-2, and Luke chapter 2.
— For fun with your family sing the popular song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” — “on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..” Maybe do only the total number of days which have passed. Only on January 5 or 6, depending on how you count these days, would you sing all twelve verses. Another option would be to play a recording of someone singing this popular song.
— Tell others about the 12 Days of Christmas, such as in conversation, letters, e-mail, or on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
— Use 12 candles to count off the days during a meal or at devotions. One more candle is lit each day until all are lit on January 5th or 6th.
— Keep your Christmas tree up until at least January 6.
— Send your Christmas cards during this time, and possibly note the 12 Days of Christmas in your letter to family and friends.
— Attend worship at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine on the two weekends which always occur in the 12 Days of Christmas. These will be on December 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5 for this season (2019-2020). Some folks pull back from worship during this time and miss out on a joyful time of the year at church.
— Schedule Christmas Parties during this time. You will be less stressed and it will give your friends another chance to get together for joyful fellowship.

Special Days during the 12 Days of Christmas

*December 26 – The Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr. Read about his ministry in Acts chapters 6 and 7
*December 27 – The Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Read one of the books connected to his ministry, such as the Gospel of John, the three letters of John, and Revelation.
*December 28 – Remembrance of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, Martyrs. Read about these victims of tyranny in Matthew chapter 2, especially verses 16-18.
*December 31 – New Year’s Eve – a chance to reflect on God’s grace for you during this past year.
*January 1 – The Name of Jesus. On this day we remember Jesus’ 8th day. Read about this in Luke 2:21. This is when his name was announced in a public way.
*The Epiphany of our Lord – January 6
‘The People who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.’ — Isaiah 9:2

The Epiphany of our Lord is mostly known as the celebration of the arrival of the Magi for their visit to bring their gifts of Jesus. It is much more. When we celebrate the Epiphany we are celebrating the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Epiphany reminds us about the growing glory of God in the Son of God/Son of Man, Jesus Christ. Epiphany is the manifestation, or showing, of Jesus to the world. The Magi were non-Jewish foreigners who came to worship Jesus, and are thus representatives of those who would eventually benefit from the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. This visit, from Matthew chapter 2, foreshadows the mission which Jesus grants to his followers. In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, our Lord commands us to make disciples of all nations, not just of the Jews.

Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

— Attend worship on the weekend of January 4 & 5, 2020, a either the Saturday, 6:00 p.m. or the Sunday, 10:00 a.m. as we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine.
— Read the story of the Magi in Matthew, which is told throughout chapter 2.
— Pray for Christian missionaries as they spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
— Pray for the Church around the world.
— Host an Epiphany Party.
— Give generously to people in need. Remember, as Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
— Sing “We Three Kings” and/or “The First Noel”
— Attend worship on all or most every weekend in the season after the Epiphany.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

The gifts of the Magi to Jesus point us to who Jesus really is:

*The Magi offer Gold, a possession of kings.
*The Magi offer Frankincense, used in ritual and prayer to indicate the presence of God
*The Magi offer myrrh, an oil used at the time of death as well as for anointing priests.

By their gifts, the wise men reveal the identity of this child:

*the king before whom nations will bow down
*the anointed high priest of God
*and the suffering servant who will die for the ones he has come to serve

Advent 2019 Series

Nativity Sacred Art NatShepherdMurillo

Celebrating Advent 2019

The Advent Wednesday Service Series this year is:  Advent and Christmas According to St. Luke.

This series will look through three major scenes in the Gospel Book of Luke to tell us more about what God is doing and how we can respond in faith.

The services are a joint event for the four churches of Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministries:  Waldeck Evangelical – Ledbetter, Bethlehem – Round Top, St. Paul – Shelby, and MLLC.  Both Pastor John David Nedbalek and Pastor David Tinker will share leadership at the services.

The 3 Wednesday services will be on December 4, 11, and 18.  A fellowship meal will be at 6 p.m.; and worship at 7:00 p.m.  All events will take place in the fellowship hall at Martin Luther Lutheran Church.

Here are the themes of each week:

December 4:  Annunciation – the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary

December 11:  Birth – the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

December 18:  Response – the shepherds praise the newborn Messiah

We look forward to seeing you at worship on this three weeks.

Pearly Els Obituary

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Obituary for

Pearly Louise Watts Els

Funeral services for Pearly Els, 74, of Ledbetter, Texas are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Tim Pitts officiating. Burial will follow in the Ledbetter Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Pearly Louise (Stork) Els was born on April 7, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Leo Carl and Erna Hilda (Meier) Stork. She was baptized at Bethel Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas and confirmed in 1957 at St. Peter Church in Spring Branch. Pearly was united in marriage to Glen Dwayne Els on November 5, 2005 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine by Rev. Paul Bohot. Pearly lived in Houston, Dallas, Tennessee, Georgia and then moved back to Texas to live out her remaining days. She graduated in 1966 from Lillie Jolly School of Nursing in Houston. She also attended the University of Houston, Texas Women’s University and South Texas Junior College. Her nursing career covered a wide spread of expertise from medical surgical, coronary care, supervisor general hospital. The majority of her career was as a Director of Nursing for extended care and long-term care facilities. She was also a hospital educator, where she also was a Lamaze instructor. She retired from nursing when she moved back here to Texas. She opened Magnolia Blossoms here in Giddings then moved her antiques to McCalls in Camine where she was there for a short time. Her hobbies were that she wanted to travel, and she did some short ventures with her husband, Glen. She also enjoyed writing short stories, gardening, singing with the choir, antiquing, running her business and taking care of her family and friends.

Pearly passed away the evening of Friday, November 29, 2019 in Ledbetter, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo Carl & Erna Hilda Stork; and her brothers, David Stork and Johnny Stork.

Pearly is survived by her husband, Glen Els of Ledbetter; three sons, John McMath and his wife, Jennifer of Georgia, Chance Els of Giddings, and Colt Els of Giddings; daughter Jennifer McMath of Giddings; six grandchildren, Caden Colquitt of Georgia, Cloe McMath of Georgia, Emmet McMath of Georgia, Colton McMath of Georgia, Weston Els of Giddings, and Savannah Smith of Giddings; and sister, Gladys Prine of Baytown as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Memorials may be made to Family for depression awareness, www.familyaware.org or to a charity of one’s choice.

If you choose, memorials to MLLC may be sent by mail or given through the church web site.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church
P O Box 362
Carmine, TX 78932
Please note that your gift is in memory of Pearly Els.
Questions:  call the church office at 979-278-3388
Giving through the MLLC Web site:  Click Link
Note:  Four lines down you will see the listing for memorial gifts.  Use that line for designating your gift amount and that it is in memory of Pearly Els.  The box to the right of the dollar amount is where you note her name.
Memorials will go to the general memorial fund of MLLC.

Thanksgiving Eve Service 2019

Thanksgiving Thanks Banner

 

Worship on Thanksgiving Eve 2019

We invite you to gather with God’s people for worship this week.  Our annual Thanksgiving Eve worship service will be at MLLC on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.

This will be a joint event with our primary partner church, Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church, and our Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministries partner churches – St. Paul in Shelby and Bethlehem in Round Top.  All four congregations will be together in one location for this special event.

Plan now to participate in this delightful time of giving thanks to God.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanksgiving Table

Turkey and Dressing Dinner

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Annual Turkey and Dressing Dinner

Tickets are available now for the Annual Turkey and Dressing Dinner.  This is an annual fundraiser for the Women of the ELCA of MLLC.  You are encouraged to get your tickets before Sunday, November 10. That way you can be sure to get a ticket.  Tickets are $10/each, and may be purchased through the people and locations noted in the flier above. There may be some tickets available at the door, but it is best to plan ahead.

In the event that you can’t get to the noted locations when open, know that you can call the church office – 979-278-3388 – and request that tickets be reserved in your name.  Then you can pay for the tickets when you arrive.

 

Thankoffering Sunday

Also on November 10 we will celebrate our annual Thankoffering Sunday.  This is our annual celebration of women in ministry and our partnership with the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA).  This will take place on Sunday, November 10 at our 10 a.m. worship service.  Our guest presenters will be the Hilltop Ramblers from Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Burton, TX).

Here is a brief history of Thankoffering Sunday:

As we collect the Thankoffering today, we share in a tradition dating back to the 1800s, when Christian women formed “mite” or “cent” societies to fund mission. When others in the church said there was not enough money to carry out these projects, the women believed otherwise. In cent societies, each woman collected offerings at home. They would gather as we do today to worship and combine their offerings and offer them up with thanks and praise, dedicating the funds to mission. When Women of the ELCA was formed more than 25 years ago, we committed to continue this tradition of giving in gratitude for blessings. Each year, in thousands of congregations, Thankofferings are collected and sent to support the life-changing ministries of Women of the ELCA. Together, we do more than we could ever do apart. In gratitude for all God has given to us, and with hope for all that is to come, we celebrate Thankoffering.

 

 

 

 

Seafarers Boxes for Christmas 2019

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Loving Our Seafaring Neighbors

Every year at this time we gather items to pack and give to seafarers at the Port of Houston.  We have done this for several years in a row, and we have great joy in doing it.  Last year we packed 84 boxes.  This year our goal is 100 boxes.

The packing and wrapping of these boxes will be on Monday, November 25, at 6:00 p.m.  All are invited to help with this joyful time of service.  This even is sponsored by the Men in Mission of MLLC.

For this year, please gather items such as these for the men on the ships – you can buy things throughout the time leading up to the packing day, and drop these off at any time.   These need to be brought to the church no later than 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019.  If you can’t get the items to the church by that time, please donate them for the 2020 project.

There is a large blue storage bin for this purpose in the room directly across from the church office.  Here is the list:
We do not need boxes, for we have received sufficient plastic shoe boxes donated for this project

Address books
Band-aids (fabric)
Baseball caps
2020 Calendars
Comb
Dental Floss
Antiperspirant/deodorant
Disposable razors
Flashlight and batteries
Kleenex – small packs
Lip balm
Lotion
Nail clippers
Gold Bond cream
Gold Bond powder
Hot Chocolate (individual serving size)
Needles and thread
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Gum and hard candy
Key chains
Pocket-sized notebooks
Mechanical pencils
Pens
Playing cards
Microwave popcorn (individual packages)
Socks
Sudoku books
Texas souvenirs
T-shirts
USB flash drives
Word search books

 

Christmas Boxes 2014 working 2

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