Devotion and Readings March 19

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with , ,

26C6BEDD-5500-49B2-ADCD-DBE39BC1D0F4

Daily Devotion and Scripture

During this time when our worship life is disrupted we will be publishing various devotions, prayers, readings, etc. for our use.  All are welcome to read and share these.

COVID19 Update Announcement – Click Link

 

Here are the suggested Daily Bible Readings for March 19

Matthew 21:23-27

23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

NRSV

1 Corinthians 2:12-16

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 13 And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.
16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.

NRSV

Psalms 45 & 46

Psalm 45

1 My heart overflows with a goodly theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
2 You are the most handsome of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your glory and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride on victoriously
for the cause of truth and to defend the right;
let your right hand teach you dread deeds.
5 Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.
6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;
7 you love righteousness and hate wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
10 Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear;
forget your people and your father’s house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him;
12 the people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people 13 with all kinds of wealth.
The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes;
14 in many-colored robes she is led to the king;
behind her the virgins, her companions, follow.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.
16 In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
17 I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations;
therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.

NRSV

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

NRSV

 

Jeremiah 45

1 The word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah: 2 Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, “Woe is me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.” 4 Thus you shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: I am going to break down what I have built, and pluck up what I have planted—that is, the whole land. 5 And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.”

NRSV

 

Devotion

By Pastor David J. Tinker,

Pastor of Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, TX and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church of Carmine

Right now we are in a challenging and difficult time. Nearly everything which we do has been disrupted by our common fight against the spread of the virus noted at COVID19.  Our common activities, such as school, church, work, meals out, doctor visits, funerals, weddings, recreation, and more, have been cancelled, changed, and disrupted.

Psalm 46, verses 1-3 reminds us of the truth of God which we have experienced and lived, and which God offers to all who would believe in Jesus Christ.  The Psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

To better understand this psalm, let us look to two contexts for this psalm.  We look first to the Old Testament Context.  The Old Testament Context of Psalm 46 is that of the people of Israel, around 1000 to 750 BC.  This is the time of the Kings and of Jerusalem being the center of religious and political life for the people.  The Israelites struggled against three enemies:  foreign powers, the power of the sea, and their struggle with the temptation to worship false idols.  Each of these brought chaos, division and loss to the people.

To care for them, God gave them this psalm as a source of encouragement in the midst of their fears and enemies.  His love and care, and the people’s worship and thanksgiving, were central to his presence in that place.  The Lord’s love for his people would not falter or sway.  When all else was falling apart and changing, God’s merciful goodness and grace were always present for the people.

As followers of Jesus we are reminded that Jesus, God the Son, has given himself for the world for the forgiveness of our sin.  Through his being raised from the dead, Jesus leads us beyond death to a new life founded on his goodness and love.  That love of God is offered to us in our context today.  We also face our own struggles.  Life has its ups and downs. We have all these new struggles with COVID19.  Into this we are reminded of a truth which is greater than our present struggles.  We have a hope which is more powerful than all the changes and challenges of our time.  We have the truth which was already there for us 3000 years ago.  We have what the psalmist tells us:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

This also reminds us of a wonderfully assuring passage in Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 8, where the author states:  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  We know that despite all the changes and challenges of life that our Lord Jesus Christ will always love us and be with us.  He has been there all along, and will be with us now and forever.

We are reminded in 1 Peter 5:7 that Jesus is there for us in the midst of all the challenges of life.  Peter tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”  We can cast all of our struggles and changes on him, and he will carry our burden.  We can cast all our broken and troubled lives on him, because he gave himself for us on the cross.  Because he has given all for us, because we can cast all of our changes and challenges on him, we can live with sure and certain hope.

Looking beyond our current struggles with COVID19, it seems more than some of us can bear.  Into this struggle our God gives us a sure and certain vision for the future.  We read in Revelation chapter 21 the following:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”

 

Prayer:

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise you for your steadfast love for us.  During this time of health crisis help us to trust in you.  Guide us in our work together to reduce the spread of this disease.  Give strength and courage to emergency services personnel and medical workers.  Help us to see the greater future we have in you.  We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

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.

First Holy Communion 2020

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings, Youth and tagged with , , , , , , ,

CommunionBreadWine

 

Update – March 26

This class has been postponed until a new date can be determined.  This is due to the suspension of activities due to the COVID19 pandemic situation.  Contact the church office or see this page for future updates.

 

 

 

 

First Holy Communion Class begins this month

By Pastor David Tinker

pastordjt@industryinet.com       979-278-3388

 

The First Holy Communion class will be offered March 22 and 29, and April 5on Sunday mornings, starting at about 11:15 a.m. in the Mission & Ministry Building.

 

First Holy Communion at MLLC is most often offered to elementary age students, 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 likely that most of the youth participating in the class will be younger.

 

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 9/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.

First Communion Group 2017

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

Due to the late date of Resurrection Sunday/Easter Sunday this year (April 12), there should be little or no problem with Spring Break from school for the students.

 

Also, one of the classes will include bread baking by the students.  This bread will be used at their First Communion service.

First Holy Communion Prep 1

Here is the schedule:

Sundays, March 22 and 29, April 5

11:15 a.m. – about 12:30 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.

 

If you are unsure if your child is ready to participate in this class, please read through this article which was published on our church web site a few years ago.

Thursday, April 9        7:30 p.m.             Maundy Thursday Service, First Holy Communion Day

Presentation of Bible to students during worship – Church gives to Parent/Grandparent, then the parent/grandparent 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. See email and phone number above.

Louis Kartous Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

We remember Louis Kartous

Louis was a active participant in our life together.  He was also a friendly, local business owner who served many in the Carmine community.

 

Picture1

Here is the obituary for Louis as we had it printed in the memorial service bulletin.

THE OBITUARY

LOUIS WESLEY KARTOUS

Louis Wesley Kartous 89, of Carmine, TX. passed away at his home on December 16, 2019.

Louis was born on March 26, 1930 in Dallas, TX. to Louis J. and Emily Takats Kartous, where he grew up.  Louis married Nancy Lee Blackburn in December 1959.

Louis was a Veteran of the Korean War and served in the Marines and the Navy.  While in the Navy he learned the trade of typewriter repair, which was his career until retirement.

Louis was also a 67yr. member of the Masonic Masons, serving as Worshipful Master of the LaFayette Masonic Lodge #34 from 2004-2005.

Louis was most passionate about Thoroughbred racehorses and horse racing.  He owned and trained racehorses most of his life until his health stopped him in 1991.

In 1998, Louis and Nancy made Carmine their home.  That is when he opened Fayette County Rebuilders and became known as the “alternator man”.   He also dabbled in repairing and selling pocket watches and mantle clocks.  Louis loved auctions and estate sales.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Lee Kartous, wife, Nancy L. Kartous and his brother Edward J. Kartous.

Louis is survived by daughter, Cherrie Wines, sister, Emily Branum, granddaughters, Esther Elster, husband Devin, Gabrielle Wines and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 362, Carmine, Texas 78932-0362 or a charity of one’s choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Weidemann Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

Jack-Weidemann from web site

Remembering Jack Weidemann

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Jack Weidemann.  Jack was involved in various ministries of MLLC, and also served as our custodian for several years.

Here is the obituary as published in the service bulletin.

THE OBITUARY

Jack Weldon Weidemann was born on December 20, 1937 in Burton, Texas to Woodrow and Hildegard (Emmrich) Weidemann.  He was baptized August 25, 1941 by Pastor William Mueller, Sr. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings.  He was confirmed April 6, 1952 also at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings by Pastor Fred Mgebroff.  His confirmation verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran College and a masters from Southwest Texas.  Jack married Bobbie Menix on May 30, 1965 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas. They were blessed with six children and fifty-four and a half years of marriage.

He worked as a band director and guidance counselor for forty-nine years at several different school districts in Texas and Alaska. Jack was very involved in the community and at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine.  He was a member of the Giddings Noon Lions Club and was a leader for Boy Scout Troop 144.  At Martin Luther he was involved with Lutheran Men in Mission, Lutheran Brotherhood, played in the instrumental group, played the tone chimes, sang in the choir, and served in many other leadership positions.  He enjoyed music in every form, especially polka.  Jack could be found in the kitchen making homemade wine or baking, and in the garage doing woodwork.  Birdwatching was one of his favorite pastimes and he also collected eagle statues, beer steins, and lighthouses.  He loved learning new things and could be found with a new book in his hands.  Jack looked forward to time spent with family and friends.

He passed away the evening of Saturday, December 28, 2019 at his home in Ledbetter at the age of 82.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow & Hildegard Weidemann; son, Jamon Weidemann; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan & Billy Els.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Weidemann of Ledbetter; five children, Jonathan & Missy Weidemann of Cedar Creek, Jason & Renee Weidemann of Giddings, Jessica Weidemann of Ledbetter, Joah & Heather Weidemann of Wolfforth, and Jordan & Lori Weidemann of Ledbetter; twelve grandchildren, Janette Weidemann, Johnathan, Celeste, & Alyssa Navarro, Julie, Jaci, Avery, Wyatt, & Rory Weidemann, Jadon Weidemann, and Kelci & Ava Weidemann; and two great grandchildren, Carson and Ryker.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, the Martin Luther Lutheran Church Tone Chime Fund, PO Box 362, Carmine, TX 78932, or to Parkinson’s Disease research.

Shirley Tingley Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

Remembering Shirley Fritsch Tingley

 

Shirley Tingley was a friend of MLLC, and was a regular visitor at worship on Sundays after she moved to Carmine to be near family.  She was the mother of MLLC member Diane Tovey.  We give thanks for her life and ministry among us.

 

Here is the obituary notice for Shirley

October 14, 1936 – January 8, 2020

Shirley Fritsch (Lowery) Tingley, long -time resident of College Station, passed away January 8 at the age of 83. Her life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in College Station, Texas located at 220 Rock Prairie Road.

Shirley was born October 14, 1936 in Schulenburg, attended Round Top- Carmine Elementary and graduated in 1954 from Weimer HS where she served the band as drum major. She also studied Home Economics at Texas Lutheran College.

Shirley’s career began at Foley’s in Houston where she was an assistant buyer for the sporting goods department. She also served many years as office administrator for several dentists and retired from the office of Dr. Peggy Levin in Clear Lake.

Shirley had many talents and interests and was a dedicated volunteer. She was active in the Presbyterian Church and served as Elder and PW Moderator. She was a Team Mother, Scout Leader and a lifetime member of the PTA. Her favorite roll was serving as President of the TAMU Aggie Mom’s Federation 1994-95.

Shirley was married to Doyal Lowery on Christmas Day, 1958 in Trinity, Tx. They resided in Pasadena until Doyal’s death in 1978. She raised three children and worked in the Pasadena area prior to relocating to College Station.Shirley found love again in 1991 when she married L.H. “Laurie” Tingley, a brilliant man, true Aggie and wonderful father. Shirley and Laurie shared a passion for life through their love of church, family, travel and Texas Aggies until his death in 2011.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Harry Charles Fritsch and Margaret Kiel Fritsch; husbands Doyal Lowery, Laurie Tingley; sons Dodd Lowery, Walter Tingley; daughters Beverly Tingley Hall, Bettye Tingley Knuckey; nephew Nathan C. Fritsch;grandson Michael Hall; and great-grandson Colby Ericson.

Survivors include:Beloved Aunt, Jackie Kiel Simpson of Oklahoma City; brother Jim Fritsch and wife Sylvia of San Leon, TX; and several brothers and sister in laws. Children: Darrel Lowery and wife Brenda of Ashburn, VA; Diane Lowery Tovey and husband Robbie of Carmine, TX, Robin Tingley of Hockley, TX; Sonny Tingley and wife Edie of Winterhaven, FL; Venus Tingley of Spring , Tx; David Knuckey of Sweeny, TX; and Sheryl Tingley French and husband Jerry of Hockley, TX. She leaves a legacy of 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and a wonderful multitude of relatives, neighbors and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church at 220 Rock Prairie Rd in College Station, Brazos Valley Hospice 1600 Joseph Dr in Bryan, TX or The Royal and Doyal Lowery Memorial Scholarship Fund PO Box 1168 Trinity, TX 75862.

Preparing for the 12 Days of Christmas

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with , , ,

Nativity Sacred Art NatShepherdMurillo

 

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 5th or 6th.
— 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. These will be on December 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5 for this season (2019-2020). 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’ 8th 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 those 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 the weekend of January 4 & 5, 2020, a either the Saturday, 6:00 p.m. or the Sunday, 10:00 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, which is told throughout 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.
*The Magi offer Frankincense, used in ritual and prayer to indicate the presence of God
*The Magi offer 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

Advent 2019 Series

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with , , , , ,

Nativity Sacred Art NatShepherdMurillo

Celebrating Advent 2019

The Advent Wednesday Service Series this year is:  Advent and Christmas According to St. Luke.

This series will look through three major scenes in the Gospel Book of Luke to tell us more about what God is doing and how we can respond in faith.

The services are a joint event for the four churches of Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministries:  Waldeck Evangelical – Ledbetter, Bethlehem – Round Top, St. Paul – Shelby, and MLLC.  Both Pastor John David Nedbalek and Pastor David Tinker will share leadership at the services.

The 3 Wednesday services will be on December 4, 11, and 18.  A fellowship meal will be at 6 p.m.; and worship at 7:00 p.m.  All events will take place in the fellowship hall at Martin Luther Lutheran Church.

Here are the themes of each week:

December 4:  Annunciation – the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary

December 11:  Birth – the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

December 18:  Response – the shepherds praise the newborn Messiah

We look forward to seeing you at worship on this three weeks.

Pearly Els Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary and tagged with , , ,

A81DF6A0-3FBB-4984-A0D9-24F543C91460

 

Obituary for

Pearly Louise Watts Els

Funeral services for Pearly Els, 74, of Ledbetter, Texas are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Tim Pitts officiating. Burial will follow in the Ledbetter Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Pearly Louise (Stork) Els was born on April 7, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Leo Carl and Erna Hilda (Meier) Stork. She was baptized at Bethel Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas and confirmed in 1957 at St. Peter Church in Spring Branch. Pearly was united in marriage to Glen Dwayne Els on November 5, 2005 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine by Rev. Paul Bohot. Pearly lived in Houston, Dallas, Tennessee, Georgia and then moved back to Texas to live out her remaining days. She graduated in 1966 from Lillie Jolly School of Nursing in Houston. She also attended the University of Houston, Texas Women’s University and South Texas Junior College. Her nursing career covered a wide spread of expertise from medical surgical, coronary care, supervisor general hospital. The majority of her career was as a Director of Nursing for extended care and long-term care facilities. She was also a hospital educator, where she also was a Lamaze instructor. She retired from nursing when she moved back here to Texas. She opened Magnolia Blossoms here in Giddings then moved her antiques to McCalls in Camine where she was there for a short time. Her hobbies were that she wanted to travel, and she did some short ventures with her husband, Glen. She also enjoyed writing short stories, gardening, singing with the choir, antiquing, running her business and taking care of her family and friends.

Pearly passed away the evening of Friday, November 29, 2019 in Ledbetter, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo Carl & Erna Hilda Stork; and her brothers, David Stork and Johnny Stork.

Pearly is survived by her husband, Glen Els of Ledbetter; three sons, John McMath and his wife, Jennifer of Georgia, Chance Els of Giddings, and Colt Els of Giddings; daughter Jennifer McMath of Giddings; six grandchildren, Caden Colquitt of Georgia, Cloe McMath of Georgia, Emmet McMath of Georgia, Colton McMath of Georgia, Weston Els of Giddings, and Savannah Smith of Giddings; and sister, Gladys Prine of Baytown as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Memorials may be made to Family for depression awareness, www.familyaware.org or to a charity of one’s choice.

If you choose, memorials to MLLC may be sent by mail or given through the church web site.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church
P O Box 362
Carmine, TX 78932
Please note that your gift is in memory of Pearly Els.
Questions:  call the church office at 979-278-3388
Giving through the MLLC Web site:  Click Link
Note:  Four lines down you will see the listing for memorial gifts.  Use that line for designating your gift amount and that it is in memory of Pearly Els.  The box to the right of the dollar amount is where you note her name.
Memorials will go to the general memorial fund of MLLC.

Thanksgiving Eve Service 2019

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with , , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving Thanks Banner

 

Worship on Thanksgiving Eve 2019

We invite you to gather with God’s people for worship this week.  Our annual Thanksgiving Eve worship service will be at MLLC on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.

This will be a joint event with our primary partner church, Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church, and our Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministries partner churches – St. Paul in Shelby and Bethlehem in Round Top.  All four congregations will be together in one location for this special event.

Plan now to participate in this delightful time of giving thanks to God.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanksgiving Table