Category Archives: Announcements

Worship on July 3 and 4, 2021

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with , ,

Declaration of Independence sign

Worship on Independence Day Weekend

By Pastor David Tinker

 

We will observe our normal weekend worship schedule on the first weekend of July. 

Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

The Waldeck church will also offer their regular 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship service.

 

I encourage you to think ahead about this complicated weekend.  Consider how you can schedule your activities for the holiday while still participating in worship among God’s people. 

I know that many make a point of participating in the Independence Day Parade in Round Top.  It is an important part of our local culture and a positive celebration of our nation.  Please do participate, if that is important to you.  Also, if at all possible, plan ahead to be at worship on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Some may find that the 8:00 a.m. service at Waldeck will be their preferred option. 

I also know that not every person in our community will be at the parade. Each person makes choices which suit his or her situation.  For those who will not be at the parade or other holiday activity on Sunday, plan now to be at worship on Sunday, or Saturday if that is your preference.

Worship of our God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is central to our life together. It is a foundational part of how we fulfill the greatest commandment of Jesus to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Weekly worship participation is also one of the Six Marks of Discipleship about which I have taught so frequently.  Worship is an investment in your faith life and in your relationships with your fellow Christians.  No matter what date it is, weekly worship is a good and central part of life as a follower of Jesus.

July 4th is not the only Sunday when you might have multiple commitments on the calendar. As you work through plans for weekend trips, summer vacations, etc., prayerfully look into how you can get together with fellow Christians for worship.  Some of those weekends will be workable to be at worship in Carmine.  Some weekends will lead you to other communities across the state, nation or world.  I have made the point to find a place of worship where I am going to be.  It is good to be at your home church, and it is also good to experience something different from time to time.  Even in touristy places like Hawaii there are churches where you can keep your weekly discipline of worship.  If you need help planning where to worship, I am glad to help you.  If you are comfortable using the internet, there in plenty of information available to help you.

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Another opportunity you have this weekend is to actually read or listen to the reading of our nation’s founding document. 

 

Here is a link to read the document at the National Archives of the United States of America.    

 

Here is a link to listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by then Senator John F. Kennedy.  It is presented as a video  on YouTube.

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Lutherhill at Sunday School Upcoming Dates

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth

Lutherhill Sunday School 2021 1

Lutherhill Staff to Lead Sunday School for Special Programming

One of the most popular parts of the Sunday School ministry at MLLC is the visits from Lutherhill staff.  Several times a year we have a special Sunday when the young adults from Lutherhill offer a fun and Christ centered event filled with learning, games, music, and fun.  We invite you and your family to attend Sunday School on the Sundays coming up which provide this program.  Here are the two upcoming Sundays when Lutherhill will be at MLLC for Sunday School:

May 2

June 6

Sunday School at MLLC is held each week at 9:00 a.m.  The program begins in the fellowship hall (the older, white building on the north side of the church campus).  Students from about age 3 and older are invited to participate.  Parents are encouraged to participate, especially for the younger ages.

As always, worship on Sunday is at 10:00 a.m., and on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

 

The Resurrection of our Lord Celebrations 2021

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements

Empty Tomb

The Great Vigil of Easter – Saturday, April 3

Worship at MLLC at 7:00 p.m. – a joint event with Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

Service of Light, Services of Readings, Remembrance of Baptism, Holy Communion in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is the first of our three worship services celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here is a reflection on this special night written by MLLC member, Jennifer Clark Tinker.  Click this link to see the article.

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The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday, April 4

6:45 a.m. – Sunrise Service at Carmine Cemetery – a joint event with Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Bring a lawn or folding chair for seating at the cemetery. If weather is not favorable, we will gather in the covered pavilion at the cemetery.

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School in Fellowship Hall

9:30 a.m. – Easter Reception/Breakfast in ?

10:00 a.m. – Festival Worship Service with Holy Communion

After worship – Easter Egg Hunt for the children

For those who are interested:

Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church Easter Sunday Schedule:

8:00 a.m. – Festival Service with Holy Communion.  This will be outside in the covered pavilion, as weather permits, or inside as needed.

Egg Hunt to follow.

First Holy Communion Class

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth

CommunionBreadWine

An Invitation to the Lord’s Table for Youth

First Holy Communion Class begins this month

By Pastor David Tinker

pastordjt@gmail.com    979-278-3388

The First Holy Communion class will be offered February 21, 28, March 7 and 28 Sunday mornings, starting at about 11:00-11:15 a.m. in the Mission & Ministry Building.

First Holy Communion at MLLC is most often offered to elementary age students, typically 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 most likely that a majority of the youth participating in the class will be younger than 5th grade.

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

We encourage students in class to observe social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizer, and using masks to cover mouth and nose.

The class schedule avoids the Spring Break for most, if not all, students who would be part of this group.  The Sundays of March 14 and 21 may end up being make-up classes for students who were not able to attend earlier classes. Also, one of the classes will include bread baking by the students.

Here is the schedule:

Sundays, February 21, 28, March 7 and 28

We are aware that not everyone received sufficient word about when class was beginning.  Even if you student was not present at the class on February 21, he or she is fully invited to participate.  Even if your student is not able to be at the class on February 28, he or she is encouraged to participate.  I am very willing to work out review sessions or alternative class times to help your student.  It is better to ask for help than to remove oneself from the class.  We will make something work for your student.

Class will from from about 11:00/11:15 a.m. until about 12:15 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.

Important Date:  Thursday, April 1        7:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Service, First Holy Communion Day

Presentation of Bible to students during worship – Church gives to Parent/Grandparent/sponsor then the parent/grandparent/sponsor 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.

First Holy Communion Prep 2

Below is a discernment tool for those who are unsure about their students participating in the the program. 

With all this,  you are encouraged to consult with the pastor regarding this wonderful opportunity for the young person in your life.

How do I know my child is ready to attend First Communion Class?

The most important question is about God’s gift of Grace for your child: 

***** Has your child been baptized?

If your child is not yet baptized, please speak with a pastor to set a date for your child to receive this Sacrament. It is understood that Holy Communion is for the baptized children of God.

Only the first question (Has your child been baptized?) requires a “Yes” before your child can be considered ready to receive his or her first communion, and to participate in the class. Use the other questions below to generate discussion and to plan, in consultation with Pastor David Tinker, for your child’s preparation to begin receiving the sacrament and the gifts it brings.

Contact Pastor David Tinker if you have any questions about Holy Communion. He would be happy to help answer your questions.

He/She may. . .

*have expressed interest in participating in Holy Communion during worship, perhaps copying your movements at the altar

*have begun to ask questions about why we take Holy Communion

*have begun to reach for the Holy Communion elements which are offered to you

*have a foundation in Christ through attendance in Christian education or worship, or through family conversations, devotions or prayer

*be able to speak about God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as loving and trustworthy

*pray the Lord’s Prayer and be able to say other simple prayers (such as at bedtime and meals)

The following questions can help you determine the readiness of your child to receive her or his first Holy Communion.

These are not meant to create a reason to prevent your child’s participation.  These simply lift up common ways in which youth express interest in Holy Communion

*Is your child comfortable in various locations around the church, like the altar?

*Does your child have a basic, age-appropriate awareness that God loves him or her?

*Does your child understand the idea of “right” and “wrong”, and can grasp the basic notion of “forgiveness”?

*Will your child extend his or her hands when asked to do so?

*Will your child be able to understand the basic concept that Holy Communion is a gift from God to each person?

*Does your child seem to have a basic trust that they are a child of God?

*Does your child seem interested in what goes on in church during Communion?

*Does your child interact enough with others to receive the bread and wine?

*Is your child aware enough of others in the congregation and their needs to show respect for the communion experience?

*Are you prepared to help make the process positive?

*Are you prepared to continue to fulfill the promises you made at your child’s baptism to bring him or her regularly to the Lord’s Table?

Inclement Weather Update – February 13 and 14

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements
Snow MLLC
Snow at MLLC around Christmastime several years ago.

 

Inclement Weather Update – February 13 and 14

Due to expected winter weather issues this weekend we offer this update.  Please share this information with others, especially those who might not have regular access to the internet. 

 

Saturday,  February 13 – we will have our normally scheduled, Saturday evening worship service in-person at 6:00 p.m.  The bad weather is expected to arrive late evening on Saturday, hours after the service is over.  Even so, use your best judgment regarding travel.

 

Sunday, February 14 – no in-person worship service and no Sunday School.  We will offer an abbreviated service on Facebook Live starting at 10 a.m.   Click this link to go to the MLLC Facebook Page.

 

 

Putting Away Christmas Decorations

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements

Christmas Tree 2014 set up branches

Christmas Decorations to be Taken Down and Stored

We invite volunteers to gather in the MLLC Sanctuary on Tuesday, January 12, to help with this annual project.  The crew will work on removing the Chrismon ornaments and the Christmas lights from the tree.  They will also disassemble the tree.  All items will be put in the storage room for use in Advent and Christmas 2021.

The crew leaders for this project will be present and working from 10 a.m. until approximately 12 noon on Tuesday, January 12.  Additional volunteers to work on this project are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all who worked to set up the tree and other decorations for this Advent and Christmas 2020-2021.

Carol Service – December 20

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth

Christmas Decorating 2017 3

Annual Carol Service

We will be celebrating a long standing tradition at MLLC on Sunday, December 20.   This will take place during our regular 10:00 a.m. worship service. 

We invite singers, instrumentalist, and groups to share various Advent and Christmas special music pieces at this service.  To share your music, please sign up at the church on the sign-up sheet in the narthex or call the church office by December 13.  The office phone number is 979-278-3388.

In addition to the wonderful music we will offer two other celebrations.

1 – our thank you celebration for our recently retired secretaries.  We will have a special presentation for Nancy Rosenbaum, Carol Carmean, and Nancy Eilers.  They all served at MLLC in our office for 10+ years each. 

2 – our Children’s Christmas Program.  This was moved from December 13.  Our younger youth will present the Good News that Jesus Christ is born.

All are welcome to attend this special Sunday at MLLC.

childrens-christmas-2016-group

Advent 1 – November 29, 2020

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings, Sermons
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The chancel of Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church with the new, blue, Advent paraments. 

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Readings, Devotion, and Prayers for the First Sunday in Advent, November 29, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

We continue to offer in-person and Facebook Live services following the normal Sunday schedule for both MLLC and Waldeck.  The Facebook Live services will be offered on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. from Waldeck, and at 10:00 a.m. from MLLC.  The Saturday 6:00 p.m. service at MLLC is in-person only.

Below are the readings, prayers, and Sunday sermon.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

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For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual.  Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week.  Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site:  mllccarmine.com/online-giving  This page has a link to our secure giving page.  Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

The First Sunday in Advent

November 28 – 29, 2020

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First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

The First Reading is from the 64th chapter of Isaiah.

This lament comes from a people who have had their hopes shattered. The visions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a renewed people of God, spoken of in Isaiah 40–55, have not been realized. Instead, the people experience ruin, conflict, and famine. This lament calls God to account—to be the God who has brought deliverance in the past.

And now the reading.

1O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
2as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4From ages past no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
5You meet those who gladly do right,
those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
because you hid yourself we transgressed.
6We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
7There is no one who calls on your name,
or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
8Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
9Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
and do not remember iniquity forever.
Now consider, we are all your people.

Here ends the reading.

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Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Psalm 80, read responsively.

1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and come to help us.
3Restore us, O God;
let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
4O Lord God of hosts,
how long will your anger fume when your people pray?
5You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision of our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
17Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one you have made so strong for yourself.
18And so will we never turn away from you;
give us life, that we may call upon your name.
19Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

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Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

The Second Reading is from the first chapter of First Corinthians.

As the Christians in Corinth await the advent of Jesus, Paul reminds them how the Lord has already enriched them through spiritual gifts and will continue to strengthen them until the coming day of the Lord.

And now the reading.

3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here ends the reading.

 

*Gospel: Mark 13:24-37                                     

The Gospel Reading is from the 13th chapter of Mark.

In today’s reading, Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory to end all suffering. And now the reading.

[Jesus said:] 24“In those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
25and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Here ends our readings.

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“The Grand Gift of God”

 By Pastor David Tinker

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are gathered here today during the season of Advent. Part of what Advent is about is getting ready for a great celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah. During this time of year many people will be kinder, gentler, friendlier, and more generous.  Some even become more faithfully involved in their faith life. They will attend worship more often. They will gather with others for prayer and devotions. Then, on Christmas Day comes, or when the Christmas season ends on January 6, a good number people will drop out of living the Christian Christmas spirit. Thankfully, some will keep it going all year long.

Author Ronald M Patterson tells of a time he visited in the home of a friend during the month of March. He writes, “We were talking, and suddenly I looked up on a corner shelf and noticed a Christmas ornament hanging – almost as though it had been forgotten in the mad rush to put away the holiday season. I quickly looked away, hoping that my glance had not been noticed.  But the woman caught me. Before I could say anything, she smiled and said: “No, I didn’t forget. Every year when I clean up the mess, I choose one ornament to leave up to remind me that Christmas is not just one day or one season, but a lifetime.  That little bulb is my reminder that Jesus Christ walks with me every day.”

Our reading today from First Corinthians shows us that God is always, in a sense, in the Christmas spirit. He is always loving, faithful, and good. He’s always full of grace and forgiveness.  Paul writes in this passage, “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

We can know God and be with God forever only through the saving work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who died on the cross for our sin. We celebrate that he was raised to life just a couple days later. All of this was motivated by the strong, steadfast, and eternal love of God. His love permeates every action and gift. God just loves and loves and loves.

There is a story by Author Willa Cather. It is called “The Burglars Christmas”. It portrays a young man, the proverbial Prodigal Son, who has moved away from his family back east and was now living in Chicago. Without food for many days, without friends, and with suicidal thoughts, he decides on Christmas Eve to steal some food from a house. He has never stolen before, but thinks that he is owed some food, at least on Christmas Eve. When he breaks into the house, however, he finds that he has burglarized the house of his parents, who had moved to Chicago. His mother catches him while stealing, and he confesses all to her and to his father.

He prepares to leave, but they say, “Stay. We’ll make things right.”

He looks up at his mother questioningly, “I wonder if you know how much you pardon?”

“Oh, my poor boy,” his mother answered, “much or little, what does it matter? Have you wandered so far and not yet learned that love has nothing to do with pardon or forgiveness, that only loves and loves and loves?”

In other words, pardon and forgiveness don’t lead to love.  Rather, love is powerful, and it also leads to things such as pardon and forgiveness.

We know and serve a faithful God who loves and loves and love.  Our life with God is founded on his great love for us.  We are gathered here this Advent Season to look into the great and powerful love of God shown us in the life of Jesus.  We prepare to celebrate his birth, and we revisit what life is about at this time.  We always start with the love and faithfulness of God.  This leads us to revisit what our lives are about.  We look to what is right, and what is wrong in our lives.  With God’s amazing love we work with God to fix what is messed us, so that we can live according to the way of Jesus.

One thing that we struggle with so often is forgiveness.  This could be our own need for it, but it is also our need to forgive others.  Forgiveness is not easy, but it is in the spirit of Christmas, and most importantly, it is the way of Jesus.

C. S. Lewis said in the book, The Weight of Glory, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

As we work through our faith during this Advent, let us revisit this powerful truth about our lives.  God has forgiven the inexcusable in us.

What can we do to give thanks to God for this?

In what areas of our lives do we need to be turning from sin, and seeking to do things God’s way?

Who are some people that need our forgiveness?

Who have we struggled to forgive?

As we celebrate the Advent and Christmas Spirit this year, let us always remember that God just loves and loves and loves.  He loves us so much that he forgives the inexcusable.  He loves us so much that he calls and empowers us to forgive the inexcusable in others as well.

Let us pray – Heavenly Father, your mercy and forgiveness are powerful expressions of your love for us.  By your Holy Spirit help us to receive and understand these gifts.  We pray this in the holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

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Prayers of Intercession

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Most High God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: you guide and form all of creation.  For this, and all things, we worship you.  Help us to live with faithfulness to you and prudence in our actions. Hear us, O God.     Your mercy is great.

We lift in prayer your Church.  We especially pray for our brothers and sisters in the land of Jesus’ birth.  Help them to remain steadfast in the midst of persecution.  Hear us, O God.          Your mercy is great.

We give thanks that you model servant leadership for us.  We pray that all in authority in your church will be guided and inspired by your sacrificial leadership.

Hear us, O God.          Your mercy is great.

You are the source of healing and strength for all who suffer in any way.  We especially lift in prayer… and also those whom we name aloud or in quiet prayer…    Hear us, O God.       Your mercy is great.

 

We pray for all who have not yet responded to your offer of forgiveness.  Send your Holy Spirit into their lives so they may come to believe in Jesus.  Help all people in this congregation to grow in their witness to your mercy and grace.  Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven.  Hear us, O God.       Your mercy is great.

 

You call us to live as your people now and forever.  We lift in prayer those who mourn during this time  (especially the family and friends of…).  Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Other petitions may be added here.

You inspire your church to give you praise.  We give thanks for the music ministry of this congregation.  Be with all musicians, singers and leaders as they guide us in our worship of the one true God.  Hear us, O God.        Your mercy is great.

 

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen