All are Invited – December 14 – Christmas Program Sunday

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Youth and tagged with Advent, Carmine, children, Christmas, Christmas Brunch, Lutheran, rehearsals December 13, 2014

The 2014 Sunday School Children’s Christmas Program is currently in rehearsals. The children and adults are working faithfully to prepare for this annual presentation. This is always a fantastic program and we are thankful for the leaders, musicians and cast who make it happen each year. All are invited to attend worship on December 14 as these young people present the good news that Jesus Christ is born.

Worship at 9:00 a.m. – the program will be the Word of God on this day, replacing the readings and sermon. Holy Communion will be offered as usual.

~10:15 a.m. – Jesus’ Birthday and Christmas Brunch pot luck. All are invited to this new tradition of MLLC. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for this special event. Please know that this is for all ages and it was very well attended last year.

Here are some photos of the rehearsals on November 23.

Microphones and props were set up for use:

The scripts were distributed:

Youth of various ages were in place for their roles both at the altar and in the balcony:

Props for the songs were ready for use:

We look forward to seeing you at worship and the Christmas Brunch on December 14th.

The 12 Days of Christmas, and then Epiphany

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with 12 days, 12 Days of Christmas, alternative christmas, celebrating, christian, Christmas, Christmas Day, Christmas Season, christmas tree, Epiphany, frankincense, gold, Magi, myrrh, The Arrival of Christ, The Epiphany, three kings, twelve days, Twelve Days of Christmas December 13, 2014

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 5^th or 6^th.

— 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. 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’ 8^th 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 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 Sunday, January 4, 2015, at 9:00 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 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; frankincense, used in ritual and prayer to indicate the presence of God; and 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.

MLLS – January Lunch and Snack Menus

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Martin Luther Lutheran School and tagged with Carmine, child care, day care, daycare, food, lunch, MLLS, nursery school, round top, school, snack December 11, 2014

As part of our ongoing program at the Martin Luther Lutheran School a lunch and snack are provided. We are thankful for our faithful staff who manage, prepare and serve these meals to the students of the school.

Check out this link for the updated lunch and snack menus for January 2015.

Daycare Christmas Program

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Martin Luther Lutheran School and tagged with child care, children, Christian Day School, day care, daycare, Daycare Ministry, Martin Luther Lutheran School, MLLS, nursery school, students, youth December 8, 2014

The students of our Daycare Ministry – Martin Luther Lutheran School (MLLS) – presented their annual program recently. On Friday evening, December 5, the older students in this ministry presented songs and poetry which proclaimed the good news that Jesus Christ is born. Parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends of students, staff and school board members gathered to enjoy this special presentation.

The students practiced for weeks to get ready. They did a great job, as always.

We are thankful for the ministry of church musician Nancy Eilers who accompanied the singing.

Many gathered for food and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall following the program.

Christmas Boxes for Houston Seafarers

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Men's Ministry and tagged with Christmas, christmas boxes, lutheran men in mission, port of houston, Port of Houston Seafarers, seafarers, youth December 7, 2014

A caring tradition of MLLC was revived this year. The Lutheran Men in Mission of MLLC resumed filling and distributing Christmas Boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers. This had been done by the Men in Mission of MLLC for several years in the past, but the practice was set aside for a few years. In 2014 we resumed the preparation of Christmas Boxes. Check out this link to learn more about what our chaplains at the Port of Houston do for the seafarers from around the world.

During the past few months people of MLLC have been donating items for the boxes. On December 1 the men and friends worked together to pack and then wrap the boxes.

On Thursday, December 4, these 34 Christmas boxes were brought to the port chaplains office for distribution. Pastor David Tinker and his son presented the boxes to Chaplain Lacey Largent. By the time our boxes arrived another 5,500 boxes had been donated. The expected total for 2014 is about 11,000. Check out the photos of scenes from around the Seafarers Center.

Our boxes were immediately packed up for delivery to the next ship in the port.

Thank you very much for donating to this cause. Thank you to all the team who put these together for delivery to our seafarer friends who visit the port at this time of year.

Setting Up the Christmas Tree Part 1

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Women's Ministry, Youth and tagged with Advent, chrismons, Christmas lights, christmas tree, Lutheran, Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Nativity set, olive wood, scene, The Arrival of Christ November 30, 2014

On Sunday, November 30, after worship a team of volunteers set up our Christmas Tree. We are very thankful for their dedicated service. This was part 1 of a two part process. We invite you to participate in part 2 of this process. On Monday, December 1, starting at 6 p.m., we will hang the Chrismons for the tree. These were made following patterns suggested and offered by the originators of Chrismons (click this link for more information from the official web site of Chrismons).

Refreshments and food for all will be provided by the Mary Group Circle. Please plan on staying to enjoy the fellowship.

Here are some of the Chrismons which were carefully wrapped for storage since last year.

Here are some photos of our crew setting up the tree and preparing the lights.

Our Olive Wood Nativity Set will be ready for set up as well.

Our pulpit is moved to a back corner to make room for the tree and Nativity scene.

Here is the finished product of the work on Sunday. Remember, we will complete the work on Monday, December 1, starting at 6:00 p.m. You are invited to come and participate. Food and refreshments will be provided by the Mary Group Circle.

Thank you again to all who gave of their time to get this tree prepared for decorating.

Recent New Members

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with Baptism, new members, sacrament November 23, 2014

Meet our new members: Kay, Nicole and Hope

We give thanks for God’s provision of new members of MLLC. The New Members page was recently updated. Take some time to check out the new member page by clicking this link.

Children’s Christmas Program Getting Ready

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Youth and tagged with Advent, Carmine, children, christmas play, christmas program, Lutheran Youth Organization, LYO, pageant, sunday school November 23, 2014

Worship at 9:00 a.m. – the program will be the Word of God on this day, replacing the readings. Holy Communion will be offered as usual.

Here are some photos of the rehearsals on November 23.

Microphones and props were set up for use:

The scripts were distributed:

Youth of various ages were in place for their roles both at the altar and in the balcony:

Props for the songs were ready for use:

We look forward to seeing you at worship and the Christmas Brunch on December 14th.

Worship with Us on Thanksgiving Eve

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with eucharist, Holy Communion, service, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, worship November 19, 2014

Our Annual Tradition is to gather as a community for worship and Holy Communion on the Wednesday evening before our national Thanksgiving Day.

We invite you to celebrate with us the goodness of our God. We invite you to rejoice with us in his merciful grace. We invite you to make worship with the community of faith a priority as you enter into this holiday.

Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Martin Luther Lutheran Church

211 Luther Ln; P O BOX 362

Carmine TX 78932-0362

Our Thanksgiving Banner

Our Communion and Thanksgiving Meal Banner

The title we sometimes use for this sacred meal is “the Eucharist”. This word refers to the “giving thanks” which is done as we gather with Christ and his people for this Sacrament.

Celebrating the New School Year

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Martin Luther Lutheran School and tagged with Carmine, child care, childcare, children, Christian Day School, day care, day school, daycare, early childhood eduction, Martin Luther Lutheran School, nursery school September 2, 2014

The Early Childhood Education ministry MLLC is the Martin Luther Lutheran School (MLLS). On Tuesday, September 2, 2014 our new school year began. With songs and prayer we ushered in the new year. We gathered in the Fellowship Hall, which is just at the end of the Christian Education/MLLS wing of our building. Our pastor led the students, teachers and parents in prayer.

All MLLS students and staff, along with some parents, were on hand to pray in and sing in the new school year.

We are always welcoming of new students. Click this link to find out more. Or call our school office at: 979-278-3380, and speak to our school director, Kelli Meinholdt.

Here are some photos taken at the special time of prayer and song.