Celebrating 100 Years of Service: Ladies Aid

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Women's Ministry and tagged with 100th anniversary, Carmine, ELCA, Ladies Aid, WELCA, Women of the ELCA June 5, 2014

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Martin Luther Lutheran Church Ladies Aid

1914 – 2014

This past Sunday, June 1, 2014, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the MLLC Ladies Aid. Here is the history which was prepared as part of the celebration. Note the photo above of the members of Ladies Aid who were available to for the celebration at worship this past weekend.

History of the Ladies Aid of Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, Texas.

On June 1, 1914, Pentecost Monday, seventeen ladies met at the Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine to organize a Ladies Aid. Pastor John Harder, the MLLC pastor at the time, helped to adopt a constitution and elect officers. The first officers were: President, Bertha Eisenhauer Umland; Secretary, Selma Hackemack Hoppe; and Treasurer, Leonie Rummel Weyand.

Other charter members were: Mary Brau, Alma Weyand Doerr, Agnes Umland Hoppe, Antonio Weyand Kollatt, Nannie Koehler Knoche, Louise Koehler Brau, Emma Goerdel Menke, Leonie Menke Neese, Emilie Kollatt Stuermer, Lena Drawe Sump, Kathleen Etzel Weyand, Ida Weber Weyand, Lula Coleman Weyand, and Louise Marburger Winnisderfer.

Many of the earlier members of Martin Luther were descendants of German immigrants. They, and their descendants, still spoke the German language in the home and in most of their daily affairs. The church records were handwritten in the German script. The Ladies Aid records were also written in the German language in the earlier days. The Ladies Aid was known as the Frauenverein [Women’s Organization]. In the early years of the organization, meetings were conducted in German. Tradition was that women of the Ladies Aid would sing a song in German at the funeral of a member.

As a way of contributing to the projects of the church, the first Bazaar was held in March of 1936. The purpose was to raise money for the church and Sunday School. The women made beautiful articles of linens, aprons, bonnets, hand-crocheted doilies, and embroidered scarves for sale at the Bazaar. Plenty of cakes, pies, sandwiches, etc. were donated by the members of the Ladies Aid. The food was not sold, but one could make a donation in a glass placed on the tables. Ladies from local and surrounding churches came for an afternoon of fellowship. This was an annual event at Martin Luther for over twenty years. Today, the Ladies Aid continues to support the different projects of MLLC as well as local and other projects of the ELCA.

The Ladies Aid has observed the 25^th in 1939, the 50^th in 1964, the 60^th in 1974, the 80^th in 1994 and the 90^th in 2004. Members were recognized at each anniversary for their years of membership. Today, on our 100^th anniversary of the Ladies Aid we recognize three ladies who have been members for 60 years or longer: LeVerne Hinze (63 yrs.); Elvira Dallmeyer (62 yrs.); and Ora Lee Levien (60 yrs) – see photo below. The two oldest living members today are Bernice Loewe (92) and Elvira Dallmeyer (90).

Throughout the years the church organizations have changed, but the Ladies Aid has always maintained its basic structure and name. Today, the women’s groups are called “Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America”. Martin Luther Lutheran has two bible study groups: the Ladies Aid and the Mary Group. Today, the Ladies Aid has 23 members. The present officers are: Susan Ray, president; Shirley Mueller, vice-president; Carol Carmean, secretary; Nancy Eilers, treasurer; Mission officers: Nancy Eilers, community; and Dianne Sager, Action.

On this day in 2014, the Ladies Aid asks God to increase in them the spirit of faith and love to help make them worthy of their heritage. “Wir Beten an unseren Vater den Herrn, durch Jesua Christus, sein Sohn.” Translation: We pray this through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Other historical photos of the Ladies Aid anniversaries:

These photos are on permanent display in the Fellowship Hall at MLLC.

Founding Members

25th Anniversary 1939

80th Anniversary 1994

90th Anniversary 2004

Happy Anniversary

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with 112, Anniversary, Carmine, Martin Luther Lutheran Church May 19, 2014

We are celebrating our congregational anniversary today. On May 19, 1902, Martin Luther Lutheran Church was founded. That was 112 years ago. While it is not a commonly celebrated milestone, we still celebrate. Each and every day, week, month and year is a blessing from our Heavenly Father.

The photo above is from our MLLC History Display.

Today we give thanks to God for the continued ministry which we offer together. We are a congregation of people from age 0 to well into our 90’s. We learn, serve, worship and reach out together. We seek to be a blessing to others both through congregational ministries and through ministry in daily life. We strive to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through Word and deed. We enjoy spending time together. We love one another in the midst of both joys and sorrows. We love our neighbors as ourselves. We live our faith as we have for 112 years. We look forward to the years to come as we serve together to the glory of God and for the benefit of others.

We invite you to be part of the great things God is doing among us and through us.

Building Progress May 19, 2014

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in New Building 2014 and tagged with 2014, mission and ministry, new building, quilts May 19, 2014

Work on the new Mission and Ministry Building continues at MLLC.

Each week there are new things happening. Pretty soon the walls and roof will be going up. Then we will move into completion of the inside.

We are continually thankful to God and to the congregation for our work together on this project. This will be be a facility which all generations will use. This is a facility which will be used to bless the community of Carmine, and will help extend our reach to the ends of the earth.

Thank you for your continued partnership in ministry. Remember to keep MLLC in your prayers during the construction and completion of the Mission and Ministry Building.

The Luther Rose Symbol

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with cross, faith, Grace, Luther Rose, Lutheran Symbol, Stained glass May 12, 2014

We recently added a new page on this church web page about the Luther Rose.

This is an important symbol used in the Lutheran Church to express and teach our faith.

If you have been to the Martin Luther Lutheran Church building you will recognize the window depicted above. It is the most visible our our wonderful stained glass windows at MLLC.

Check out this link to the special page about the Luther Rose

Synod Assembly 2014

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, ELCA, Synod and tagged with ELCA, gulf coast synod, Lutheran, synod assembly May 9, 2014

We are thankful for our delegation of voting members at our synod assembly this year. These include: Dana Smith, Dennis Smith, Jennifer Tinker, and Pastor David Tinker. This group is representing our congregation at the assembly of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. This is taking place May 8-10 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mixed Feelings on Mother’s Day

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with father's day, Grace, hope, infertility, love, mother's day, parenthood, why i don't like mother's day May 7, 2014

Mother’s Day is a day which brings with it a variety of feelings. Some celebrate motherhood, mothers, children and so much more on this day. Others avoid any mention of it. Others recognize it as important, but don’t always know what to do with it.

Here is a blog post by MLLC member Jennifer Clark Tinker regarding her mixed feelings about Mother’s Day. Click this link.

At MLLC we know that both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are difficult for some people. There are many and various reasons for this. Here are a few significant examples:

*Loss of a child, or children, through death of any circumstance, such as infant death, murder, accident, disease, abortion, stillbirth, miscarriage, etc.

*Death of a parent at any age.

*Desire for children, but circumstances prevent conceiving a child, such as singleness, divorce, widowhood, relationship difficulties, financial hardship, infertility struggles, etc.

*Struggles with one’s relationship with God and/or others.

*Broken relationship with a parent or a child.

*Abandonment by a parent.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are special for many, yet difficult for many others. This Mother’s Day we will recognize Mother’s Day in a few ways. One is with a reception for all after worship this Sunday, May 11. Worship is at 9:00 a.m. this Sunday, the reception will be at 10:00 a.m. Come for the fellowship and food. We will also remember in prayer mothers and women of all ages. Part of our prayers at worship will also remember those who have struggles and mixed feelings about this day. Here are examples of the prayers being prepared for this day:

“On this Mother’s Day we pray for those who struggle with grief related to motherhood. Comfort those who mourn for deceased loved ones or who are estranged from either mother or child. Give strength to women who have lost a child or whose circumstances have prevented motherhood. Help us as a community of faith to care for one another in our grief. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all mothers, grandmothers, along with all faithful girls and women in this congregation. Help them to love, serve and lead in ways which are honoring to you. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.“

Some congregations around the country have a banquet around the time of Mother’s Day. One congregation I served as pastor years ago got it right. They understood the various feelings people have around that time of year. What they had was a banquet called, “Daughters of All Ages”. This event was for all women and girls, no matter what their relationship or parenthood circumstances were. All the women and girls present at that event are the daughters of somebody. Most importantly, by the Grace of God, they are daughters of God. While this event didn’t solve all the struggles of each woman, the event opened the door for healing and support.

Mother’s Day is not a bad thing, but it is not always easy for each person. We have good reason to be thankful for Mothers on Mother’s Day. We also have good reason to love one another and to love God at this time of year. Part of our love for God, one another, and our neighbors, is in how we show sensitivity to those who don’t always have good feelings regarding Mother’s Day.

No matter what your feelings are about Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, know that what matters most is what Jesus Christ has first done for us. Because of his abundant mercy, forgiveness, and gift of life-giving hope, we have our most important identity in Christ. The photo at the top of this article is of men and women, boys and girls, all gathered around the cross. People are loved by God, and called to follow the way of Jesus, no matter what they have struggled with in this life. By the stirring of the Holy Spirit and the power of God’s Word, Jesus draws all people to himself. Through Christ Jesus we have healing, hope and restoration for this life and in eternity with our Lord.

Construction Update May 5, 2014

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, New Building and tagged with Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Youth Organization, LYO, mission and ministry, new building, quilts, youth May 5, 2014

The foundation has been poured for the new Mission and Ministry Building at MLLC. We are so thankful to God that the work is moving along well. Thank you also to all who have prayed, given, encouraged and supported this new addition to our ministry facilities. Our partnership matters more than we can all express. We look forward to using this facility to enhance our ministries with people of all ages. We look forward to doing ministry here which touches the lives of humanity to the ends of the earth.

Here are some more angles on the construction work:

An “archaeological” discovery. This appears to be an old well which was on the lot near the new building.

Building Progress April 28, 2014

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, New Building 2014 and tagged with construction, mission and ministry, new building April 28, 2014

Construction of the foundation of the new Mission and Ministry building is moving forward. We are very thankful for the dedicated leaders who are making this happen. Thank you also to those whose donations have made this work of expanding our mission and ministry reach grow.

Triple Baptism – April 19

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with Baptism, child, children, First Holy Communion, Great Vigil of Easter, Holy Week, Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Vigil of Easter, youth April 23, 2014

At the Great Vigil of Easter – Saturday, April 19, 2014, we welcomed three new Christians into God’s family: Tonia, Ally and Judd. Each of these received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at the Vigil. We are very thankful for God’s gift of faith and the work he is already doing in the lives of these three. As newly baptized Christians they are also new members of MLLC. Ally and Tonia also received the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time as Christians at this service. It was a joyful evening for all involved.

Check out this page to learn more about our Great Vigil of Easter.

The Great Vigil of Easter is the ancient time when New Christians have been baptized. Every year, including 2014, thousands of people are baptized all over the world at Great Vigil of Easter services such as we had at MLLC. Many congregations also use this special service to receive new members into the congregation. My own son was baptized at the Great Vigil of Easter in 2004 at the congregation I served in North Liberty, Indiana, at that time.

Here are some more photos from the baptisms of Tonia, Ally and Judd on April 19.