Category Archives: Men’s Ministry

Christmas Boxes for Seafarers

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry

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Christmas Boxes for Port of Houston Seafarers – Loving Our Neighbors

You are invited to participate in this continued ministry of MLLC.  Each year for several years the Men in Mission of MLLC have organized the caring work of Christmas Boxes for Port of Houston Seafarers.  We have heard that the Seafarers Christmas Boxes are needed more now than ever.  Our love for these neighbors will help them to know the love of God and to make life less difficult for them.  We will be collecting items and preparing the Christmas Boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers.  The goal for this year is 100+ boxes.  Items may be placed in the room across from the main church office. The Packing Day for the Boxes for Seafarers is Monday, November 28, at 12:00 noon.  The work will take place in the Parlor.  All are invited to participate.

The main web page for this project is:  Click link.

For this year (2022), please gather items such as these for the men on the ships – you can buy things throughout the fall drop these off at any time up until 12 noon of November 28.  There is a large blue storage bin for this purpose in the room directly across from the church office.

The Men in Mission Group does not need boxes this year.  These were provided by Home Depot in Brenham.  See the rest of this list for requested items:

Address books
Band-aids (fabric)
2023 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

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Aluminum Cans for Camping

Posted by mllccarmine in Men's Ministry, Youth

Aluminum Cans making a Positive Difference for Youth

For several years the Men in Mission of MLLC have been collecting aluminum beverage cans for a special purpose.  They are working to help make sure young people from MLLC get some help to attend Lutheran Church Bible Camp at Lutherhill.  In recent years this men’s ministry group has quietly collected these cans to raise money from selling these through recycling.  This past year the Men in Mission were able to provide $50.00 per youth member for their participation a summer camping program at Lutherhill.

The Men in Mission have not been alone in this. They have had significant support from many people who donate enough cans each year to provide this encouragement and assistance to many youth.   They don’t really know all who those who make the donations. This is because the donation center is outside in a quiet corner of the church facilities.  Every week kind, and generally anonymous, individuals drop off bag upon bag of empty aluminum beverage cans to help our youth.

You can be part of this happy cause as well.  Simply set aside your used aluminum beverage cans. Then, when you are on your way to worship, or heading to or through town, simply grab your bags of cans and leave these at the donation station.

The donation station is on the north side of the building – the side facing US 290.  This is under the covered part of the drive through, drop off entrance to the fellowship hall.  These photos show the can receptacles in the context of the north entrance.  The station is open 24 hours a day. If the collection bins are full, feel free to leave your bags of cans next to the bins.  We welcome all aluminum can donations.

Thank you all for your partnership in ministry at MLLC.  Together we are making disciples of Jesus Christ and sharing God’s love to the ends of the earth.

Obituary for Ed Eargle

Posted by mllccarmine in Men's Ministry, Obituary

Remembering Ed Eargle

We grieve and give thanks for Ed Eargle.  He was a joyful and active part of our life together at MLLC.  His sudden, accidental death has been a shock many in the congregation and the broader community. 

The funeral for Ed will be on Monday, August 9, at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings, Sunday, August 8.  Family present 5-8 p.m., with chapel open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. for viewing and signing the condolence book.

The family has designated two different memorial requests:

For memorial gifts to MLLC:

You can send bring these to the church or send these by mail:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church; P O Box 362; Carmine, TX 78932-0362

Or through our web site:  click this link.

Remember to make note of this gift being in memory of Ed Eargle.  For the online form, note that memorial gifts are listed third.  This includes a box where you can enter the name: Ed Eargle.

 

The other memorial designation is:  The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association, 800 East Wendt Street, Bellville, Texas 77418-1521.

 

THE OBITUARY

March 5, 1941 – August 3, 2021

 

Edwin “Ed” Eargle Jr., 80, of LaGrange, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2021. He was a longtime resident of Lee and Fayette Counties.

 

Edwin was born in Alvin, Texas on March 5, 1941. He graduated from Alvin High School. Ed was in the Marine reserves for three years and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Phillips University and Master’s Degree in Education from Prairie View A & M. He was a teacher for many years with the Texas Youth Commission. He loved history, gardening and John Wayne. He never met a stranger. He was president of the Bluebonnet Master Gardeners for many years. He was an active member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas where he was active in the Men in Mission group. Ed was baptized in April 1970 at First Baptist Church of Hardin, Texas.  He affirmed his baptism and faith as he joined Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, Texas on June 12, 2011.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Lee Eargle Sr. and Evelyn Colston Robertson.

 

Ed is survived by his companion for the past 25 years, Carol Carmean of La Grange, Texas; his brother, Mike Hoff and wife Donna of Laurel, Maryland; his son, Gary Eargle and wife Essi of Kyle, Texas; his daughter, Sheila Guzman and husband Roger of Brenham, Texas; his grandson, Micah Eargle and wife Jessica, and two great granddaughters, Nayeli and Sofia all of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by Carol’s sons and their families, Troy Carmean and wife Beth of Round Top, Texas and Chris Carmean and wife Stacia of Carmine, Texas.

 

Memorials may be made to the Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 362, Carmine, Texas 78932-0362

or

The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association, 800 East Wendt Street, Bellville, Texas 77418-1521.

 

 

 

Ed (and Joe) wrapping the Christmas boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers.  This is an annual project of the Men in Mission of MLLC.  Ed was an active part of this organization for many years.

 

Christmas Boxes for Seafarer for 2020

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry

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Christmas Boxes for Port of Houston Seafarers – Loving Our Neighbors

By Pastor David Tinker

We have heard that the Seafarers Christmas Boxes are needed more now than ever.  The men on the ships are more isolated than usual due to the COVID19 pandemic.  Our love for these neighbors will help them know the love of God and make life less difficult.  We will be collecting items and preparing the Christmas Boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers.  The goal for this year is 100+ boxes.  Items may be placed in the room across from the main church office. The Packing Day for the Boxes for Seafarers is Monday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m.  The work will take place in the Parlor.  All are invited to participate.

For this year (2020), please gather items such as these for the men on the ships – you can buy things throughout the year and drop these off at any time.  There is a large blue storage bin for this purpose in the room directly across from the church office.  Our goal in 2020 is to pack and deliver 100+ boxes.

The Men in Mission Group does not need boxes this year.  These were provided by Home Depot in Brenham.  See the rest of this list for requested items.

On personal care items, consider giving a regular size rather than the small, travel size.  Most importantly, consider what you would enjoy receiving.  This is a ministry of love.

Remember to love your neighbor as yourself.

Address books
Band-aids (fabric)
Baseball caps – new condition only, not used please.
2021 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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COVID 19 Carona Virus Update

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, ELCA, Men's Ministry, Pastor's Ponderings, Synod, Women, Women's Ministry, Youth and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

MLLC Church Sketch drawing copy

Important Notice about COVID 19

The Church Council of MLLC has made the decision to suspend worship services and other church activities from now (March 18, 2020) through at least April 3, 2020.  This is due to the significant, worldwide health crisis of the COVID 19 Pandemic.  The council did not take this decision lightly, as this is a new and dramatic step for the congregation.  They consulted with area congregations, our Gulf Coast Synod, as well as government health officials.  We will send out updates as these become available.

Please read the notice here:  Click Link

The Daily Bible Readings through April 3 are here:  Click Link

The church staff and leadership are still here for you in these trying times.  We will have devotional items and other items available through this web site.

Seafarers Boxes for Christmas 2019

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry and tagged with , , ,

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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

DSCN2258

Blessing of Backpacks and Students – August 11

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Youth and tagged with , , ,

Blessing of Backpacks

Blessing of Students and their Backpacks – August 11

We invite students of all ages to attend worship on Sunday, August 11, at 10:00 a.m.  At this service we will pray for students of all ages and situations.  It is not required that the students bring a backpack, but if they have one it is encouraged to bring it.

This is an opportunity for students to be involved in their faith every day of the week.  We connect their school life with how these students grow and learn as an extension of their connection with Jesus.

We involved students of a wide variety of situations.  Over the years we have involved students in preschool through graduate school.  We have involved students who are enrolled in public schools, private schools, and home school programs.  We have involved students who are quite young through those well into their adults years.

Worship will be at 10:00 a.m. (our usual time) on this special Sunday.  Remember to bring your backpack, if you use one.  Most important is that we gather together in prayer and thanksgiving as we begin our new school year.

Seafarers Boxes 2018

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry

Christmas Boxes 2014 filling

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.

The packing and wrapping of these boxes will be on Monday, November 26, 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 year 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 26, 2018.  If you can’t get the items to the church by that time, please donate them for the 2019 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 plastic shoe boxes donated for this project

Address books
Band-aids (fabric)
Baseball caps
2019 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

 

Seafarers Boxes Report 2017

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry and tagged with , , , ,

 

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Photo:  Boxes being unloaded at the Houston Seafarers Center.

 

Christmas Boxes for Port of Houston Seafarers 2017

We had a fantastic year of preparing, packing and delivering the Christmas Boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers.  Thank you to the numerous people who donated items, sorted items, packed boxes, wrapped the shoe boxes, and brought the items to the Houston Seafarers Center.  Thank you to the Men in Mission of MLLC for sponsoring this program each year.

Here is a bit of history of our preparation and sending of boxes:

In 2014 there were 34 boxes assembled.

In 2015 there were 50 boxes assembled.

In 2016 there were 49 boxes assembled.

In 2017 there were 63 boxes assembled.  This is a record high since we revived our participation in this ministry.

 

The Port of Houston Chaplains are our ambassadors to these seafarers. They visit the ships and bring the boxes to the crews. On their web site the chaplains tell us: “Crew sizes vary between 8 and 30, with an average number of 22 seafarers to gift per ship. In 2015, we placed 12,278 gifts on board 538 ships which had seafarers from 65 different countries! These gifts had been donated to the seafarers by 246 churches and organizations! The Christmas boxes are personally carried to each ship by your staff of Port Chaplains.” Their web site is here – Click Link.

Here are some photos of the work of assembling the boxes in November 2017.

 

Here are some photos of the new Houston Seafarers Center and the delivery of the boxes on November 28.

 

 

Getting Ready for the Next Time

For this year (2018), please gather items such as these for the men on the ships – you can buy things throughout the year and drop these off at any time. We will be assembling the boxes on Monday, November 26, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.

There is a large blue storage bin for this purpose in the room directly across from the church office.  Here is the list:
Empty shoe boxes or purchased plastic shoe boxes to pack the items.
Address books
Band-aids (fabric)
Baseball caps
2019 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

 

Seafarers Boxes Packing – November 27

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Men's Ministry and tagged with , , ,

seafarers-2016-wrapping-2

We are looking forward to our packing day for the Christmas Boxes for the Port of Houston Seafarers.  This time of collecting items, packing, and then delivering the boxes has become a very positive part of our love for our neighbors.

The Packing Day is Monday, November 27.

We will gather in the Parlor – the room between the church offices and the sanctuary – at 7:00 p.m. with the Men in Mission to pack and wrap the boxes.  Every year friends of the Men in Mission participate.  That means that anybody who wants to gather for the fun, service and fellowship on this night are welcome.

You are also invited to gather items for the boxes.  Here is a link to our page about these items:  click this link.

Together we are sharing God’s goodness and love with others.  We look forward to seeing you on Monday, November 27, at 7:00 p.m.