Maundy Thursday – April 13

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth and tagged with First Communion, First Holy Communion, Foot Washing April 12, 2017

CommunionBreadWine

Maundy Thursday is April 13

We will gather for the observance of Maundy Thursday on April 13, at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to this first of the Three Holy Days of Holy Week.

There will also be a Maundy Thursday Service at our Shared Ministry partner church – Waldeck Lutheran Church – at 5:45 p.m.

An Introduction to Maundy Thursday

The Maundy Thursday service is one of endings and beginnings. What was begun on Ash Wednesday is brought to a close here today. What begins today does not end until the Day of Resurrection. It is the ancient Triduum, “The Three Sacred Days,” which lead us to the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
The theme is love, our Savior’s love for us, expressed in the washing of the disciples’ feet, in giving himself in bread and wine, in dying upon the cross. An invitation to confession is given. The focus is on forgiveness. On Ash Wednesday, we began Lent with a major act of confession and ashes, but we did not receive a strong statement of forgiveness in the absolution. That bold announcement of forgiveness comes now, “In the mercy of almighty God,” and “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” at the service celebrating Christ’s love.
The lessons of love are read. A new command derives from it: “Love one another.” The name “Maundy” comes from the first word of the Latin form of John 13:34: “mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos ut et vos diligatis invicem” (“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”). This self-giving love is demonstrated in the washing of feet. The prayers are said. The table is made ready. The time of the Lord’s Supper arrives, and our Lord is revealed in bread and wine as once he “revealed himself to his disciples.” It is a solemn moment, but we cannot linger here. Nor could the Lord, for His betrayal was imminent.
Before we know it, the markings of betrayal are seen before us. The symbol of Christ in our midst, the altar, is stripped bare. Christ is stripped of his power and glory. Good Friday is inescapable. The powers of darkness work upon him.
In silence, we depart without benediction. The Three Sacred Days continue with the Good Friday service tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. We will also gather on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. for the Vigil of Easter.

First Holy Communion

At this special service there will be 7 young people who will be receiving their First Holy Communion. In preparation for this day they made the bread for use at the service on Maundy Thursday. Here is a photo of this year’s group.

First Communion Group 2017

Holy Week Schedule 2017

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with Easter Sunday, Great Vigil of Easter, Holy Week, Three Holy Days, Triduum April 4, 2017

Holy Week Schedule

We invite you to participate in the special worship and devotional opportunities for Holy Week 2017 at MLLC. Here is the schedule of events:

Palm Sunday – April 8 & 9

Worship on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Palm procession and entering into Holy Week. Holy Communion.

The Holy Triduum – the Three Holy Days: Thursday through Saturday

Maundy Thursday – April 13

Worship at MLLC at 7:30 p.m.

First Holy Communion, presentation of Bibles to First Communion Students, the washing of Feet – following the example of Jesus (we will also offer the washing of hands), Stripping of the Altar.

There will also be a Maundy Thursday Service at 5:45 p.m. at Waldeck Lutheran Church, our shared ministry partner. The Church is located at 6915 Waldeck Church Lane, Ledbetter, TX 78946 – this is about 6 miles south of Ledbetter at the corner of FM 2145 and FM 1291.

Good Friday – April 14

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

Remembering the Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ our Lord. This will include the reading of the St. John Passion account from chapters 18 and 19. This is a shared even with Waldeck Lutheran Church.

The Great Vigil of Easter – Saturday, April 15

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

Service of Light, Services of Readings, Remembrance of Baptism, First Holy Communion in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday

April 16

6:45 a.m. – Sunrise Service at Carmine Cemetery – a joint event with Waldeck Lutheran Church

Bring a lawn or folding chair for seating

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

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

After worship – Easter Egg Hunt for the children

For those who are interested:

Waldeck 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.

After worship – Easter Breakfast. This will be a pot-luck meal, and you are invited to bring a food item to share.

Worship Time Changes April 2

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with change, new, new worship time, schedule March 29, 2017

1000 am worship time

New Worship Schedule for MLLC begins on Sunday, April 2.

Please make note of this new schedule.

Sunday School will continue to be at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship will now be at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday worship services will continue as they have been:

2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 6:00 p.m.

This change follows a congregational vote on Sunday, March 5. At that meeting the congregation voted to continue the shared ministry with Waldeck Lutheran Church and to shift the worship time to 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. This change was made, in part, to provide more time for Sunday School and to provide some time for transitions between Sunday School and Worship.

Waldeck Lutheran Church will continue to offer worship on Sundays at 8:00 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

James Schoenberg Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Obituary March 23, 2017

James Schoenberg

We remember a friend of MLLC and the Carmine Community, James Schoenberg. His memorial service will be held at MLLC on Saturday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m.

Here is the obituary:

James “J.W.” William Schoenberg

Memorial services for James Schoenberg, 79 of Carmine, Texas, are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas with Rev. David Tinker officiating. A reception and light lunch will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

James William Schoenberg was born on July 22, 1937 in Carmine, Texas to Rudolph and Bessie Falba Schoenberg. He was baptized in Dime Box, Texas and graduated from Round Top-Carmine High School in 1955. On June 30, 1973, James married Jo Lynn Neutzler in Carmine, Texas. James was a home builder and a cattle rancher. He was a member of the Carmine Lions Club, the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, the Carmine Chamber of Commerce, the Round Top-Carmine Young Farmers, and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He enjoyed hunting, taking care of his cattle, watching the Houston Astros, attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and most importantly, spending time with his grandson. James was called home by our Heavenly Father on Monday, March 20, 2017 at the age of 79 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bessie Falba Schoenberg.

James is survived by his wife, Jo Lynn Schoenberg of Carmine; their daughter, Jacquelyn and Arnold Mercado of Houston; grandson, Lance William Mercado of Houston; two daughters, Senette Schoenberg Stevens and Kristin Schoenberg Oliver; grandson, Shane L. Stevens; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Branch & Delores Neutzler of Austin, Charles Rudy & Fay Weigelt of Austin, Kay Schmidt of Giddings and Darrel & Vicki Neutzler of Carmine as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joys Baird, David & Jennifer Mohr and the members of the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 362, Carmine, Texas 78932, the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 217, Carmine, Texas 78932 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Reflecting on Ash Wednesday 2017

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with Ash Wednesday, Fasting, Lent, liturgy, Lutheran, Prayer, repentance, Sacrificial Giving, Self Examination, Works of Love, worship March 1, 2017

ashwednesday03_abc

Ash Wednesday

Adapted by Pastor David Tinker, from the writings of Pr. Thomas L. Weitzel – in some form these items will be part of the bulletin used for the Ash Wednesday liturgy.

This day is something of a slap in the face, especially when one hears the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The original name – “Day of Ashes” – was a reference to the ancient Christian practice of sprinkling or rubbing ashes on the head or forehead as a sign of one’s mortality. The same ancient gesture appears in the baptismal liturgy: a cross is traced with oil on the forehead of the person being baptized. In this simple gesture the person is claimed by Christ.

There can be no more solemn and appropriate action on this day than to distribute ashes to all who gather for the beginning of the Lenten season. Here are gathered together both the young and old, men and women, rich and poor, as well as the learned and simple. Here the cross is the sign of salvation that all believers share. It is the sign of death and resurrection.

What is Ash Wednesday?

On Ash Wednesday, the community of faith comes face to face with two realities. First, we confront our own mortality. None of us lives in this life forever. Secondly, all of us are sinners and need to confess our sin to God. These two themes (death and sin) are brought together in light of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ. As the Apostle John says in 1 John 1:9b, “…(God) who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The confession of sin on Sundays reminds us, “In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins.” The Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) confession also includes, “To those who believe in Jesus Christ he gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.”

What are the ashes for?

The “ashes” of Ash Wednesday are rooted in the ancient worship of both the Jewish and Christian communities. They are a sign of mortality and penance. Even though we have used the imposition of ashes in our Ash Wednesday worship for many years, they still may seem new or uncomfortable to some of us. What we should remember about the ashes is they are a visible sign of our cleansing and rebirth, both a recognition of our daily dependence on God for life and a promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Should I receive the ashes?

The ashes are not compulsory by any means. You may choose, if you wish, to remain in your seat during the imposition of ashes. But remember that they are a powerful and visible way to participate in the call to repentance and reconciliation. If you choose to participate, come forward at the appropriate time in the liturgy with others desiring the ashes. The pastor will dip his thumb in the ashes and trace the sign of the cross on your forehead. Afterwards, return to your seat and the liturgy will continue.

The Invitation to Lent

Friends in Christ, today with the whole church we enter the time of remembering Jesus’ passover from death to life, and our life in Christ is renewed.

We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance and for God’s mercy. We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation. But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love—strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

–From “Evangelical Lutheran Worship” – Ash Wednesday Liturgy (2006)

First Holy Communion Class 2017

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth and tagged with Bread, children, faith growth, First Communion, First Holy Communion, Holy Communion, Is my child ready, is our child ready, Maundy Thursday, sacrament, sacraments, Wine, youth February 23, 2017

1st Holy Communion Group 2016

First Holy Communion Class begins this month

By Pastor David Tinker

pastordjt@industryinet.com 979-278-3388

The First Holy Communion Class will be held over three Sundays in late March and early April. Each class will be held in the Mission & Ministry Building (New Building behind Parsonage). See the photo above which shows the 2016 class group with the bread they baked for their First Communion.

Class Dates: March 26, April 2 and 9 – after worship – starting about 11:00 a.m.

First Holy Communion at MLLC is most often offered to students in 5^th grade. There are numerous cases in which there are exceptions to this. If you and your student, who is not yet in 5^th grade, wish to participate in this class please speak with me to make arrangements. The 5^th grade tradition does not prevent younger students from attending the class and receiving Holy Communion.

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 13 – for his or her personal study and for use in Sunday School, Confirmation and Worship. Parents/Grandparents are welcome and encouraged to be present at this class time. We will meet at a table in the Mission and Ministry Building, but will also move to other places in the church facilities for parts of the lessons.

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

We are working to avoid Spring Break weekends for this class, therefore all sessions are after Spring Break. Please consult with me if you have special needs about family schedules, vacations, parental custody issues, etc. which could conflict with the posted schedule. I want this opportunity to work for your student.

Notes that one of the Sunday classes will include bread baking by the students. This bread will be used at their First Communion service.

We will Celebrate our First Holy Communion on:

Thursday, April 13 7:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Service, First Holy Communion Day

Presentation of Bible to students during worship – the Church gives to Parent/Grandparent, and then the parent/grandparent presents Bible to student. We will go over this before 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, and 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”.

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 needs please feel free to contact me. Please see the article below about discerning your child’s interest and readiness to receive the sacrament.

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

He or 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.

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.

Ash Wednesday is March 1, 2017

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with Ash Wednesday, faith, Holy Communion, Imposition of Ashes, Lent, Lutheran, Shared Ministry February 14, 2017

Ash_Wednesday with ashes

Lent Begins March 1, 2017

Ash Wednesday services will be at both MLLC and Waldeck Lutheran Church. You are invited to choose which one best suits your situation. Both services will offer Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes as we begin our Lenten Season.

Worship at MLLC at 7:30 p.m.

Worship at Waldeck Lutheran Church at 5:45 p.m.

Waldeck Lutheran Church is in a shared ministry with MLLC. The Church is located at 6915 Waldeck Church Lane, Ledbetter, TX 78946 – this is about 6 miles south of Ledbetter at the corner of FM 2145 and FM 1291.

The Exhortation on Ash Wednesday invites us into the season of Lent. Here is that Exhortation as presented in Lutheran Book of Worship – the book used at Waldeck Lutheran Church:

Brothers and sisters: God created us to experience joy in communion with him, to love all humanity, and to live in harmony with all of his creation. But sin separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, and so we do not enjoy the life our Creator intended for us. Also, by our sin we grieve our Father, who does not desire us to come under his judgment, but to turn to him and live.

As disciples of the Lord Jesus we are called to struggle against everything that leads us away from love of God and neighbor. Repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love—the discipline of Lent—help us to wage our spiritual warfare. I invite you, therefore, to commit yourselves to this struggle and confess your sins, asking our Father for strength to persevere in your Lenten discipline.

We are very blessed by the opportunity to work side by side with the people of Waldeck Lutheran Church. Together we are glorifying God, loving our neighbors and loving one another.

Treehouse Student Visitors

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with Blinn, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Texas A&M, Treehouse February 13, 2017

MLLC is a supporting congregation of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Blinn (Brenham and Bryan campuses) and Texas A&M (College Station). This outreach ministry is known as Treehouse.

For the third year in a row MLLC has welcomed student preachers from Treehouse on Campus Ministry Sunday. This year the visitors came on Sunday, January 29. The students were both from Texas A&M: Doug Howell and Jessica Rollinson (pictured above with Pastor David Tinker). The students were joined by Treehouse Board Member – Jim Dunham. Jim has roots and family members at MLLC.

The students shared about their faith experiences and connections with Treehouse. As always, the student visitors gave an excellent and uplifting presentation.

As part of our ongoing support of Treehouse, MLLC receives and passes along financial gifts for the ministry. If you would like to support the ministry of Treehouse in this way, send your gifts to MLLC, and note on the check or envelope that that the gift if for Treehouse. Several families and individuals at MLLC make regular gifts to the Treehouse in this way.

Here are some photos of the students as they preached and shared on Sunday.

Baptism on February 12

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Youth and tagged with Baptism, faith, new member, sacrament February 13, 2017

We welcomed a new member this past Sunday. The people of MLLC welcomes Sawyer Ray to the family of God. She joins her parents and her big sister in the fellowship of believers in Christ.

At MLLC we invite all to be in fellowship with God his people. Our life together is a blessing to all involved. We are always welcoming of new members throughout the year. Some join through baptism, while others come from other congregations.

To see information about other recent new members, visit our new member page – click link.

If you or your child are not yet baptized, please contact the pastor to make arrangements for receiving this Sacrament.

If you are not yet a member of MLLC, and would desire to join, please contact the pastor in person, by phone or by email.

Pastor David Tinker

Martin Luther Lutheran Church

P O BOX 362

Carmine, TX 78932-0362

Office: 979-278-3388

Email: pastordjt at industryinet.com

Special Music Concert – January 8

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with community, Epiphany, music January 7, 2017

Epiphany Music Concert

Special Music Concert – Sunday, January 8, 4-6 p.m. at MLLC. All are invited.
We invite you to attend the “11th Night Concert” this Sunday, January 8, 4-6 p.m. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine. There will be various musicians and singers presenting Christmas and Epiphany songs. A reception will follow. The musicians will be from various area Lutheran churches.