Alvis Mueller Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary and tagged with christianity, education, faith, obituaries, obituary December 21, 2024

alvis photo scan

Remembering Alvis Mueller

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Alvis Mueller. He died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after a decline of his health. Alvis was a lifelong member of MLLC.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, Texas with the family present from 3 – 5pm on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Services will be held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2pm. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service. All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary. Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of Alvis.

THE OBITUARY

Alvis Roy Mueller

June 16, 1936 — December 18, 2024

Alvis Roy Mueller (88) of Carmine, Texas was called home by His Heavenly Father on December 18, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station, Texas.

Alvis was born on June 15, 1936, to John and Ida (Stebner) Mueller at home in the La Bahia/Burton Texas area. He started his education at Boundary School and Burton Elementary. When the family moved to the Carmine, Texas area, he continued his education at the Round Top-Carmine junior high and high school. After Alvis graduated from Round Top-Carmine high school in 1955, he continued his education by studying Education at Blinn College for 2 years and then Sam Houston State Teachers College.

After receiving his Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College, he started his first job at Round Top-Carmine high school on September 6, 1960, as a math and driver’s education teacher and principal. In addition to teaching and administrative responsibilities, he coached both boys basketball and baseball. After a month of teaching, he was drafted by the United States government to serve in the US Army achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana for twelve months before being assigned to the Army National Guard. He was a member of the 49th Armored Division as a squad leader.

Upon returning from serving his country, Alvis, resumed his teaching/coaching and leadership roles at Round Top- Carmine high school in 1962, kickstarting a 32-year career in education in this school district. He furthered his education by attending the University of Arkansas on his summer breaks and obtained his superintendent certification in 1969. Alvis touched many students’ lives through his 30 plus years in education. Many remember him from his numerous math classes, driver’s education courses, and coaching them in sports. A few students even have memories of him from their trips to the principal’s office where they were introduced to his paddle with his initials “ARM” on it, which he jokingly referred to it as the long ARM of the law.

From his actions to others, people knew Alvis was a devoted Christian man. He was baptized into the Christian faith on November 22, 1936, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas. He later confirmed his Christian faith at the same church on September 24, 1950. Alvis was an active member of this church until his death and participated in the church as a church council member, Sunday School teacher, Brotherhood/Men in Mission member, and sang in the church choir. Alvis’ passion for service touched him to lead the Port of Houston Seafarers boxes for numerous years at the church.

In addition to being actively involved at the high school in Carmine, he was also very active in the community by being a charter member of the Carmine Lions Club, where he served numerous leadership roles as well as the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, Young Farmers, and served on the Board of Directors for the Fayette County Farm Bureau. Alvis loved animals and wildlife and was a member of the Sandtown Wildlife Association. He continued his love and support for his country by being actively involved for 42 consecutive years in leadership roles in the American Legion Quade-Werchan Post #338. Alvis also remained connected with fellow service members through his involvement with the 49th Armored Division National Guard Reunion Committee.

In his early adulthood, he loved to travel, the US states and abroad, often taking his family with him on these trips. He enjoyed participating in community sports, playing volleyball, baseball and softball. He also enjoyed crappie fishing and water skiing on Somerville Lake on his boat.

In 1994, Alvis retired from his career at school and spent his time taking care of his mother until her passing in 1996. His retirement allowed him to become more involved in farming and ranching. During his retirement years, he really enjoyed tending to his cattle, many times sitting on the back of his truck and handfeeding range cubes to his tame cattle. He enjoyed the comradery of the small towns in his area with friends and relatives at local restaurants and stores.

Alvis loved animals and you would see him frequently driving around with one of his canine friends riding shotgun in the front seat. He also loved listening to the radio where some of his favorite programs were the Country Store, Rush Limbaugh and all other Republican talk-show hosts. Another favorite on the radio was Polka Time, where he often made birthday dedications for his family members.

Alvis was very independent and enjoyed living on his own until six months ago when his health declined.

Alvis was predeceased by his parents, brother, J.D. Mueller and sister-in-law, Shirley Fuchs Mueller, brother- in-law, J.C. Pohl, and great niece, Karlee Layne Peters.

Left to mourn are his sister, Avalda Pohl; nieces, Debbie Eckert and husband Ronnie, Renee Mueller, Connie Peters and husband Michael, Jill Finke and husband Rodney and nephew Jody Pohl and wife Evelyn.

In addition to his family, Alvis touched many lives through his 30 plus years of teaching at Round Top-Carmine high school as a teacher, coach, principal and friend. Missing his loving touch will be his dog, Speckles, and his numerous cats.

Pallbearers include his great nephews: Andrew Eckert, Joshua Eckert, Joey Pohl, Jared Pohl, Ryan Finke and Grant Finke. Honorary pallbearers are his great nieces: Brooke Klausmeyer, Kayla Peters and Jordan Peters.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932

Christian Education/Sunday School Fund

Online Giving Web Site: https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

After going to the secure giving link on that page, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “Alvis Mueller,” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter

240 Svoboda Lane

La Grange, Texas 78945

https://janssenanimalshelter.org/

Brenham Animal Services

1804 Longwood Dr.

Brenham, TX 77833

Email: animalservices@cityofbrenham.org

or an organization that touches your heart.

Reformation Sunday at Lutherhill 2024

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministry, Shared Ministry and tagged with Church, faith, Jesus, Lutheran, worship October 17, 2024

Worship on Reformation Sunday

Special Worship Schedule and Location – October 27

No Service at Waldeck on October 27 – Worship at Lutherhill instead.

We will have worship on Sunday, October 27, but it will not be at MLLC. Instead, worship will be held at our local Lutheran Church camp, Lutherhill. We will gather for worship at 9:30 a.m. in the Carby Chapel on the ground of the camp. The photo above shows the Carby Chapel from the road and parking lot viewpoint.

The camp is located at:

3782 Luther Hill Road

La Grange, Texas 78945

The entrance to Lutherhill is on FM 2145, about 5 miles south of the Waldeck Church.

After Worship – kids time

Sunday School for children, led by Lutherhill staff

We look to have a strong showing from the people of Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church, and all the Crossroads churches, for this special event.

Remember, we will not have a Sunday morning worship service on October 27, at Waldeck (or any of the Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministry congregations).

Saturday Evening Worship Service – October 26

At MLLC we will offer their usual, Saturday evening service on October 26, at 6 p.m. – All are welcome.

Reformation Sunday

The Crossroads Shared Ministry Committee chose this date for our shared worship service due to it being a special day for Lutheran Christians. October 31, 1517, was when Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the Castle Church Door in Wittenberg, Germany. See this web page for more about the 95 Theses: https://mllccarmine.com/martin-luthers-95-theses/

Regarding your offerings:

The offering at the 4 Church service may be given as follows –

By your regular offering envelope from your respective church.
Cash or check – Checks pay to your chosen church

The offering will then be separated by tellers –

Envelopes will go to each respective church
Checks (without envelopes) will go to the Church shown as the payee
All cash will be counted and given to the Lutherhill Ministries to support their facilities expansion.
There will also be a separate basket at the back of the church for separate & special donations toward Lutherhill’s capital campaign that has been underway for funding the construction of a new dining hall and retreat facilities near Carby Chapel.

Getting to Lutherhill

We encourage you to bring folks who may be uncomfortable traveling to the camp on their own, or who would need a ride. This will be a wonderful event for all ages.

Lutherhill is located just north of La Grange at 3782 Lutherhill Rd, La Grange, TX 78945. Once you enter the main camp entrance, you will be heading east. Follow the long gravel road until you see the signs for Carby Chapel. This will lead you to follow a road to the left/north, which leads to the chapel. This part of the camp is depicted on the map noted right below on this page.

Carby Chapel is in the north central part of the camp.

Here is a close up of the portion of a map with Carby Chapel and nearby parking.

This is a once a year special event in which we gather with our group of 4 Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministry partner churches for a time of worship and learning.

The four Crossroads Shared Lutheran Ministry congregations are:

St. Paul Lutheran in Shelby (Fayetteville)

Bethlehem Lutheran in Round Top

Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran in Ledbetter

Martin Luther Lutheran in Carmine

Ash Wednesday 2024

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with Ash Wednesday, faith, Imposition of Ashes, Jesus, Lent, Prayer, the beginning of lent, what is ash wednesday February 13, 2024

Lent Begins February 14, 2024

Ash Wednesday services will be at both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical 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.

See the end of this article for more about the ashes of Ash Wednesday.

The Ash Wednesday Services this year are as follows:

Worship at MLLC at 7:30 p.m.

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

Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church is in a shared ministry with MLLC. The Church is located at 6915 Waldeck Church Lane, Ledbetter, TX 78946 – this is about 6.5 miles south of Ledbetter at the corner of FM 2145 and FM 1291. Click here for a map for the church in Waldeck.

The Exhortation on Ash Wednesday invites us into the season of Lent. Here is that Exhortation as presented in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) – the book used at Martin Luther Lutheran Church:

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.

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

ashwednesday03_abc

From the Introduction to our Ash Wednesday Services

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 included, “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.

Ash Wednesday Questions adapted from the work of Pastor Thomas Weitzel. He served at a neighboring church to Pastor David Tinker when they were both serving congregations in western Indiana.

Bethlehem Christian Families 2024

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with Bible, christianity, Church, faith, religion January 9, 2024

Bethlehem Christian Families

On Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, 2024, we will have a special opportunity to view products and creations in olive wood created by the hands of Christian artisans in and around the Holy Land region. The Rishmawi Family has been designated as the representative for these wonderful Christian artisans and has been authorized to show their olive wood carvings.

These items will be displayed on tables in the parlor (the room near the Sanctuary and the church offices). The items will be available both before and after our regular worship services. These are on Saturday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Most, if not all, of the items on display will also be available for purchase. The sale of these items supports the Christian families and their ongoing witness to the Gospel in the land of Jesus’ birth and ministry.

We have welcomed our Christian brothers and sisters from the Holy Land to MLLC over the years for we are united in our faith in the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ stands together in faith, hope, and love.

Nativity Olive Wood

The tradition of Olive wood carvings in the Holy Land has been handed down from father to son since the 12th century. Due to the difficulties the last few years in the Middle East, tourism has been dramatically reduced and these folks have suffered greatly. This is causing the Christian community to immigrate to different countries leaving the Christian population at 2% today from 25% fifteen years ago.

We invite you to visit their display tables and view some of the finest handcrafts available from the Holy Land. This Family strives to bring these fine carvings to our church.

You can view these beautiful items On-Line @ http://www.bethlehem-art.com/

“We call on our churches worldwide to recognize that the very presence of the Christian communities in the Holy Land is threatened by the severity of the present conflict and by the economic devastation the conflict has caused. When the Mother Church is endangered, the entire Churches must be involved “ – The Christian Bishops of Jerusalem

William T. “Sonny” Marth, Sr. Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Obituary and tagged with christianity, faith, family, Lutheran, Martin Luther December 18, 2023

William Marth, Sr. -pic

Remembering William T. “Sonny” Marth, Sr.

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of William T. “Sonny” Marth. He died on Friday, December 15, 2023, after a recent decline of his health.

The funeral will be at MLLC on Monday, December 18, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Carmine City Cemetery following the service. A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service. All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary. Please consider supporting this organization with monetary gifts in memory of Sonny.

THE OBITUARY

William “Sonny” T. Marth Sr.

January 6, 1934 — December 15, 2023

William “Sonny” T. Marth, Sr., 89, of Carmine, Tx passed away on December 15, 2023. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 17th at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 on Monday, December 18th at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine with burial following at the Carmine City Cemetery.

Sonny was born on January 6, 1934, in Carmine, TX to Reinhard and Anita Oberrender Marth. He was baptized on April 29, 1934, and confirmed on March 21, 1948, both at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, Texas. His confirmation Bible Verse was John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”” Sonny was united in marriage on March 8, 1958, to Dorothy Siegmund by Pastor George Reck and they were married for 65 years.

He was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church and the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department. At Martin Luther Lutheran Church he served on the most recent Pastoral Call Committee in 2011-2012, and in various other areas of ministry.

William was most notably a caregiver much of his life. Starting after a brief stent in the Army, he was released early to come home to help take care of his younger siblings when his father died.
He loved his wife Dorothy beyond measure and took very good care of her throughout their 65+ year marriage.

His career was as a well-respected machinist in Houston, working for Cameron Iron Works. He also ran his own business as a machinist.

Sonny enjoyed learning. He especially enjoyed learning about cooking and gardening as evidenced by his many books and magazine subscriptions about them. He acquired a love of cooking at an early age. He was always looking for ways to improve his garden and shared his knowledge with others. As a Master Gardener (Fayette County), he enjoyed helping Round Top-Carmine elementary children and various children at the Round Top Family Library learn about gardening. He loved canning and preserving the fruits of his labor, which he shared with family and friends. Sonny absolutely loved to cook and was not afraid to try new recipes!

Sonny cared deeply about people and dedicated many hours to Carmine Cemetery Association, Carmine Lions Club, Carmine Hall, and serving on Carmine City Council. He gave so much of his time to helping others through these organizations and various fundraisers. He will truly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Deborah Marth; sister, Ruth “Tootsie” Schneider; brothers, Reinhard John “R.J.” Marth and Ralph Wayne “Butch” Marth.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Marth; son and daughter-in-law, William “Billy” and Susan Marth of Waxahachie; sister, Jo Ella Littlejohn of Brenham.

Memorial gifts are encouraged for:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932-0362

Online Giving

or a charity of one’s choice.

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.

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

New Member Page Updated

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with adult, Baptism, children, faith, new member, new members, youth November 6, 2016

new-members-nov0616

We celebrated New Member Sunday at MLLC on November 6. This was also All Saints Sunday. We welcomed 6 new members to the congregation on that day. Three of those are pictured above.

We also updated the New Member Page with information about the newest members of the congregation. Click this link to see more about those who have recently joined MLLC.

Getting Ready for Ash Wednesday

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with Ash Wednesday, ashes, Baptism, cross, faith, Jesus Christ, Lent, Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, repent, repentance, what is ash wednesday February 17, 2015

Adapted by Pr. David Tinker, from an original article by Pr. Thomas L. Weitzel

The Ash Wednesday service at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine will be on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m.

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 the young and old, men and women, rich and poor, 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?

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 us. What we should remember about the ashes is they are a visible sign of our cleansing and rebirth, 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 way and a 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 did 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.

Pr. Thomas L. Weitzel’s excellent liturgy site is: http://liturgybytlw.com/

Firemen’s Feast Worship

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, faith, Holy Communion, worship July 20, 2014

It is a busy day in Carmine, Texas. Today, July 20, is the annual “Firemen’s Feast”. This is the annual fundraising meal for the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department. At MLLC we give thanks to God for the caring work of these community servants.

The work of cooking the fried chicken for the meal begins early on Sunday morning. Dozens of cooks gather at the Carmine Fire Station for this work. Since this event is on Sunday morning we offer the opportunity for the cooks to gather for God’s Word and Holy Communion. We bring the Church to the Fire Station each year at an early morning time. The cooks are already busy as the worship space is set up between the fire equipment and the food preparation area. For about 10 minutes the cooks take a break for prayer, to give thanks, to hear the Word of God, and to be assured of God’s love and forgiveness in Holy Communion. This year 50 men and boys paused their work to be a part of this special worship service.

We are thankful for the service of the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department. We are thankful for the opportunity to support their work and to encourage them in their faith in Christ.

Here are some additional photos from this special event: