mountain mover November 2015

Monthly Newsletter of Faith Lutheran Church

Scattered Thoughts by Rev. Kerry Nelson …………...p. 2 Prayer Corner “Freedom” by Peggy Porter ..….…...……....p. 3 Mockingjay Part II by Jason Houlihan..…...……....p. 4 New Recording Featuring Music of Faith by Dr. Clayton Faulkner ..……..p. 6 Walking Together by Rev. Junfeng Tan……………..p. 8 Faith Schools by Kendolyn Pope….…...…….p. 10

In This Issue...

Daylight Savings Ends Sunday, November 1. Before you go to bed on Saturday night, remember to “fall back” by setting

your clocks back one hour.

Even though the annual shift from standard time in the winter to daylight savings time in the summer has been happening since I was a kid, I doubt I’ll ever get used to it. I can never remember when it is supposed to happen—at least to me it seems the dates keep jumping around, and I am always amazed each time it does. I find myself thinking, “If most of the country can agree to change their clocks like this, why can’t we just as easily agree to change other aspects of our lives?”

After all, “What time is it?” is a constant reality. It matters. We plan our lives, we organize our activities, we keep track of everything, based on what time it is. Or, at least, and this is where things get a bit mysterious, based on the time that we have together agreed that it is. Time is a human construct. God didn’t create time as we know it. We did. It is a tool for us. A very helpful tool, but it is just a tool. This year the clock changes November 1 on All Saints’ Sunday. I find this appropriate. On this Sunday, we are reminded again that we have been baptized into the Body of Christ, a gathering of people, as we say, of all times and places. All Saints’ Sunday flies in the face of our human constructs of time, tribe, and territory. We are all gathered around the same table. We all stand as humble beggars before the cross. We all anticipate the great feast to come when we shall see God face to face. I love All Saints’ Sunday. Yet, that is not to say it is a day without pain. No one can live, no one can love, without pain. To be reminded of those who have gone before us, is to be reminded of what we have lost along the way. Grandparents, parents, spouses, children, friends—many are the faces which will flash before the eyes of our memories as together we sing:

“Behold the host arrayed in white like thousand snow-clad mountains bright, That stands with palms and sings its psalms before the throne of light!”

The poetry, the emotion, the feel of that hymn means a lot to me. Singing #425 “Behold the Host Arrayed in White,” was introduced to me in my first parish. We did it every year and as time has gone on, that tradition means more and more to me. Christianity is a team sport! God came and comes to US so that God can come to me. As we take time on All Saints to remember loved ones, I hope we also realize anew that God has called us to this particular time and place to continue our lives of faithfulness, witness, and service. “Church” and all that this means, does not just happen. God uses people to make it happen. God uses US—our time, our skills, our generosity, our service, our love to build on the legacy of love that first welcomed us. It is easy to lose sight of that, to get discouraged, to wonder if we matter, to devote our time elsewhere, but God comes to us, again and again, to remind us that we have died in Christ and live now in the newness of life where our names are numbered among the saints. Thus, may we make the most of our time! From Psalm 90: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations...For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night...So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.”

Scattered Thoughts by Rev. Kerry Nelson, Senior Pastor

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“Don’t quit! Never quit!” Those words are among a small list that many men report were drilled into them somewhere along the way in their childhood. It was the list of what “real men” do and don’t do. Real men don’t quit. Unfortunately, that list also includes ideas like real men:

Don’t ask for help

Don’t ask for directions

Don’t show emotions Utter idiocy. Consider a football team, clearly a man’s game. NO ONE plays a football game alone. NO football team will EVER be successful without a playbook and a great game plan. NO football team will ever play to their potential without SEVERAL COACHES to guide, instruct, and encourage them. AND they show their emotions all game long. The real truth is that real men DO give up—they turn their lives and their will over to the care and guidance of God, and they quit trying to make up life on their own. They do however, seek help and direction, and they play as a team with others.

3 Prayer Corner - “Freedom” by Peggy Porter Read 1 John 3:1-17 and Psalm 136 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the

brothers.” 1 John 3:16 The freedom we enjoy in our country is due to the service and sacrifice of our veterans of the Armed Forces. They have given much, and at great cost, so that we can live in peace and safety in our homes. Some have even given their lives and we can compare their sacrifice to that of Jesus. Our veterans didn’t die for sin or open the way to salvation, but their sacrifices were for our freedom. Whether their motivation was

joy for having been first served by Christ, or duty, or love of country and family, or all of the above, they paid the price. We humbly thank them and rejoice at the freedom we have because of them. Our Lord Jesus lay down his very life for the world. He died to give us freedom from the chains of sin and hell. His ultimate sacrifice brings peace and safety for eternity. He made this sacrifice out of duty and loyalty to the will of his father and out of love for us. Ultimate service is to lay down one’s life for another. This is what Jesus did for our eternal freedom. Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for our veterans and the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifice. And blessed are we that our Lord Jesus sacrificed himself for our eternal freedom. Amen. Remember Veterans Day November 11!

Community Thanksgiving Day Feast Thursday, November 26

This Thanksgiving we are continuing an old Faith tradition. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, the pastors, staff, and their families will be preparing and sharing a Thanksgiving meal for anyone who would like to come. We'll be cooking up a storm in the morning and opening the doors at noon to spend the afternoon together. We will gather in the Faith Center where we'll eat, watch football, play games, and let the children run around and play. All we need to know is how many people will be attending. If you would like to attend, call the church office or email us at info@faithbellaire.org and we will get your name on the list. We have so much to be thankful for, so let's make this a fun day. Invite your friends and neighbors.

Happy Veteran’s Day Sunday, November 11 “To all who have served in our military, thank you. The sacrifices you made in honor and duty to our country are worthy of praise. You truly are American heroes! Happy Veterans Day!” Unknown

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

See more at: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of

-veterans-day

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Mockingjay Part II by Jason Houlihan, Director of Faith Formation

If you haven’t read or seen The Hunger Games, I’m sure you’ve heard of it. With opening weekends grossing 155 to 161 million dollars, the fourth and fifth highest U.S. opening weekends of all time, The Hunger Games has captivated our world. On November 20, the fourth and final installment, Mockingjay Part II, will be released with the chance to again break records. It’s clear that The Hunger Games holds cultural capital, especially with the key 16 to 24 year old demographic. Why does this matter and what, if any, value is there in spending your

limited family time watching and discussing this trilogy? Easy, context is everything. The central ruling city of Panem is called the “Capitol,” a prosperous and absurdly decadent society, which as others have pointed out has clear allusions to ancient Greece and Rome. Many of the names of characters are Greek or Roman in origin (Plutarch, Cinna, and Caesar), the “Hunger Games” themselves are a futuristic and especially twisted version of the gladiatorial combat of the Coliseum, and the debauched Roman practice of “purging” oneself to be able to eat more is referenced during a lavish party. Even the name of the country where the trilogy takes place “Panem” means “bread” in Latin, a likely nod to the phrase “bread and circuses.” Remember, Rome is the world that surrounds the gospels and the letters from Paul. Both Jesus and Paul walked the Roman roads, died at the hand of Romans, and called into question the twisted practices of Rome. In hermeneutics, it’s often said that the primary meaning of scripture is whatever it meant to the original audience. This is a principle that the people of God so quickly forget when interpreting both Old and New Testaments. Consider this by way of illustration. Recently, one of my friends moved into an old farmhouse. While he was doing some repair work to a wall, he reached inside and found a box of old letters that were written by a child who lived on the farm during the Great Depression. In order to really dissect and understand the letters, one needs to understand the world they were written in and the parties involved. There is an overarching culture, a specific family, and even a specific town, all which gives the text context. There are endless factors to consider in order to truly understand those letters. This is the same situation we find ourselves in with the Bible, especially in the New Testament, which is mostly a collection of letters written by

November Portrait Sessions This is the final month that you will be able to take your portrait pictures for the church directory and we need YOU to make our new family album complete! You are invited to schedule your photography session today. Professional photography will be provided by Lifetouch in November. Each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and free directory for participating!

Photography sessions will be in 10-minute slots available on:

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 2:00 PM - 8:40 PM Call the church office or go online to www.faithbellaire.org to schedule a time for your family.

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Paul of Tarsus. We cannot even begin to understand what these letters could mean for us now until we understand what they actually did mean to Paul who wrote them, and what they also meant to the specific recipients who first read them. We also take things out of context when reading the book of Revelation. For some strange reason, American Christians think that this was a book written about our time, when in reality, the book itself teaches differently. This was a book written to encourage seven specific churches, so whatever it meant for back then was meant primarily for those seven churches. The idea that John would write a letter to seven specific churches that was exclusively about what would happen 2,000 years later is pretty poor hermeneutics. One cannot understand the Bible in its truest depth until they understand the people and culture who wrote it, as well as the people and culture who it was written for during that time. That’s why using The Hunger Games is valuable for this illustration. It’s a primer to discuss our world in a language teenagers understand. Every generation of Christians has the challenge of not only understanding the Bible, but also the challenge of contextualizing the message to a specific time and place. Even though studying the Bible with a heart for understanding the message is difficult, it is the most beautiful journey I’ve ever set out on. The richness found within this text is enough to occupy multiple lifetimes and is something that I’ve quite honestly grown to love. On that same note, the Bible being so difficult to understand makes it far easier to completely misuse. Such a misuse, even done unintentionally, distorts the beauty of what actually lies inside, and we’ve all seen it done. In fact, we’ve all done it. Ultimately, misusing the Bible is destructive regardless of the intent of the one misusing it. If you and I are going to continue on this quest of helping our generation and our church find more beautiful emerging ways of expressing the message of scripture to our culture, we will need to break ourselves of this horrible habit. The Hunger Games can help us do this with its cultural capital and the parallel message Panem has with Rome.

All Saints’ Sunday November 1

All Saints’ Sunday is an opportunity for us to celebrate our place within the communion of saints of all times and places. This year, we have two ways of remembering both our friends and family now with God in paradise. We are inviting everyone that morning to bring with them to church a framed picture of a friend or family member who has passed away. We will also read the names of the faithful departed during our remembrance on All Saints' Sunday.

The mission

of Faith Lutheran Church

is to follow Jesus in

blessing the world with faith, hope,

and love.

Later this month we will be

making a new audio

recording of all the music

and worship ensembles at

Faith Lutheran Church. This

isn’t the first time Faith has

made and released a recording of its music.

The last one was in 1979, “Songs of Faith,” a

vinyl LP with a red cover that featured Faith

Choir and our organ. Some of the members

of Faith Choir whose voices are on that

recording are still singing in the choir 36

years later (Bob and Ida Medlen, and Karen

Elsen)! This new recording will again feature

the Faith Choir and our organ, as well as all

the other music that happens at Faith: Faith

Alive! Band, Handbell Choir, Chinese worship,

and 6TEN musicians.

Music and worship are a central part of the

ministry of Faith. This new audio recording

will be a great snapshot of the diverse

worship we bring to God every Sunday. It will

be a great tool for introducing Faith to your

friends and neighbors, and something we can use to welcome new members to our

church. Hopefully we will have it available for Christmas. Both an mp3 download

and CD will be available. We need your help getting this project “kick-started.”

Recording a project like this takes the investment of some money. We need a

recording engineer, a mastering engineer, duplication of CDs, mechanical licenses

for copyright holders, artwork, etc. To help us fund this project we are providing

several different options for pre-ordering. You can pre-order the recording with

cash, check (include the memo “recording”), or online at FaithBellaire.org/give.

Here are the different rewards we’re offering for helping us fund the recording:

KICK-START OUR FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSIC RECORDING!

Pledge $10 or more You get a digital download of the full recording!

Pledge $20 or more You get a digital download and a CD of the full recording!

Pledge $100 or more You get a digital download and a CD of the full recording plus a copy of the original vinyl LP recording from 1979!

Pledge $200 or more You get everything listed above plus listing as an Executive Producer in the liner notes!

Pledge $500 or more You get everything listed above plus you get to choose one of the songs for the recording!

New Recording Featuring the Music of Faith by Dr. Clayton Faulkner, Director of Worship, Music, and Technology

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Annual WELCA Thanksoffering On Sunday, November 22, the annual WELCA Thanksoffering will be a part of both services. All women who are members of Faith Lutheran Church are considered to be members of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. We are a part of a collective mission with other women from other churches. This collective giving will continue the outreach of the women’s organization. The Thanksoffering makes up a significant portion of a self supporting annual budget to support the total outreach of the WELCA.

Some programs include: Publishing INTERCHANGES/INTERCAMBIO, BOLD CONNECTIONS, and LUTHERAN WOMEN TODAY, Giving seed grants to congregations to start programs that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual

health for women and children, Partnering with Bread for the World and the 1,000 Days Movement to promote child and maternal health

during the first thousand days of a child’s life, Trainings to promote leadership skills ranging from public speaking, marketing, accounting, and advocacy, Awarding scholarships ($22,000 in 2012) to Lutheran women pursuing careers, Working toward anti-racism through Today’s Dream, Tomorrow's Reality, a program that has trained

more than 800 racial justice advocates to serve in the ELCA, Awarding grants ($57,525 in 2013) to 27 organizations in the US, Africa, and Asia, Offering a FREE devotional app for your iPhone or Android phone. Contact 800-638-3522, or email

women.elca@elca.org for more details.

On Sunday, November 15, each woman will be given an envelope to be returned on our Thanksoffering on Sunday, November 22. Please prayerfully consider your gift in appreciation of God’s many blessings to you. Enclose your gift in the envelope and

place it in the Thanksoffering basket.

Women’s Connection

Women's Connection will meet on November 10 inside the lobby by the church office at 9:30 AM. Everyone is welcome! You should join us! For more information about the Women’s Connection, please contact Brenda Cauthen at bcauthen1@gmail.com or 281-630-8088.

Walking Together by Rev. Junfeng Tan, Associate Pastor

I’m a frequent visitor to The New York Times website. Most articles in the site have both English and Chinese versions. In late September, the article “America Is Still Great, and Immigration Is Still Why,” caught my eyes. The first sentence of the article reads, “Of all the falsehoods fouling the public discourse these days, one of the worst is that immigrants are a threat and a burden to the United States.” The author of the article backs up his point by citing the newly published study on immigrant integration by the National Academies

of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It is the most sweeping survey on the issue in nearly 20 years. He continued by saying, “The scholars looked across all measurable outcomes like education, wages and mastery of English, and found that recent immigrants were assimilating at least as quickly as their 20th-century European predecessors. They commit fewer crimes than the native-born and are generally healthier.” I then read another article on the same study in which Mary C. Waters, a sociologist at Harvard who led the study, was quoted, “The force of integration is strong. However, we do it and we are good at it.” She continued later by saying, “Professor Waters said the report should allay fears that recent immigrants committed crimes more frequently than Americans, that they were generally in poor health and burden public health care systems, or that they were failing to learn English.” I am an immigrant and naturalized citizen of the U.S. and my heart became warm and hopeful while reading the reports. I hope and pray more people become better informed about immigrants. Several days ago, I read another article from The New York Times and this time my heart became heavy and worrisome. The title of the article is “A Land China Loves and Hates.” The land it refers to is none other than the United States. The author of the article is Murong Xuecun, a well-known Chinese author and political dissenter. Murong gives a scathing analysis of many Chinese conflicting and schizophrenic views of America saying that many Chinese admire the American democratic systems and way of life. He believes they send or want to send their children to study in top U.S. universities. Many of them dream of emigrating to or investing in the U.S. At the same time, they hold deep suspicion and irrational hostility toward the U.S., believing that America’s long-term objective is to divide, dominate, and defeat China. Murong rightly points out that the Chinese government’s 60 years of uninterrupted anti-American propaganda is mainly responsible for Chinese hostility toward the U.S. Faith Lutheran Church is committed to building a multi-cultural church because we believe what Paul said about race, culture, and Christianity. “There is neither Jew nor gentile, for you are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28). Faith Chinese Fellowship is an important expression of “one-in-Christ” at Faith Lutheran. What does “one-in-Christ” look like for us? For one, it means we are called to the task of fighting against cultural and racial bigotry, prejudice, and enmity that exist in our society, in the church, and in our minds and hearts. It means we are called to heal cultural divisions and wounds. It means we are to work for reconciliation and peace with the love of God in Christ Jesus. How do we do this? An important step for us to take is to make friends with people of a different race and cultural background. When we spend time getting to know each other on a personal level, then mutual suspicion will give way to mutual understanding and all fears and doubts will be replaced by respect and friendship. We will gain more appreciation of different cultural traditions, and will grow in faith, hope, and love. With that in mind, I invite you to participate in Faith’s Walking Together in Faith ministry. May God walk with us as we accompany and befriend one another on our shared faith journey.

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Chinese Worship Every Sunday

9:45 AM Learning Groups

10:50 AM Worship (FC)12:00 PM Lunch

Everyone Welcome

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Christ the King Sunday—November 22 First Sunday of Advent—November 29 Christ the King Sunday is the last day of the church year. It is also the Sunday before Advent begins. According to the Christian worldview, humans need God to bring us life and salvation, and Christmas celebrates this coming of God in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christians affirm that Christ comes not only in a past event, but is also in our present life and the world’s unfolding future. So, it’s not that Advent is not about Mary’s pregnancy, but about the church’s continual prayer that God will come (the root meaning of “advent”) to us, bringing life to a dying world.

Advent is a time to meditate on the meaning of life and what is in our own hearts and to pray for God’s salvation and wholeness for all. The Holy Communion celebrated each Sunday of Advent brings to us the Christ who is ever present for us with mercy and joy. By now, many musicians and other worship planners have noticed that some hymns, such as “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying,” are no longer in the Advent section of "Evangelical Lutheran Worship." Rather they are in a category called End Time. The Revised Common Lectionary, which shapes the rhythms of worship for many Christian denominations, including the ELCA, includes the parable of the wise and foolish virgins and other texts addressing the end of time during the Sundays in November prior to the beginning of Advent. Advent is the only season in the church’s year that does not have a distinct day to initiate it.

Walking Together in Faith A Ministry of Friendship

Did you know there are over 20 Chinese families gathering for worship in Mandarin every Sunday in the Faith Center? You are invited to become friends with a Chinese family.

to share meals at each other’s home, get to know each other on a personal level; to learn one another’s cultural traditions through family events/celebrations; to build mutual trust and understanding; to accompany one another on the journey of faith.

Please sign-up for this ministry on the back of the connection card. Family dynamics such as the number of children, occupation, interests and hobbies, etc., will be taken into consideration when you are paired with a Chinese family before Thanksgiving. Hopefully you and your companion Chinese family will have a meal together around Christmas.

See more at: http://www.elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Blogs/2011/11/~/link.aspx?_id=7A90480E5DB047FC9615FBD477D93C19&_z=z&_ga=1.113644167.145012428.1436977694

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October is always a busy month at Faith Schools! Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken individual pictures with our favorite photographer at Natural Expressions, tested each child’s vision, hearing and gross motor abilities, had a visit from the Bellaire Fire Department and Police Department, celebrated Oktoberfest with the 4B PreK class at the Day School, and enjoyed Halloween parades and parties at both the Day School and Mother’s Day Out. We’ve done all of this as we have continued to help some of our young students adjust to school. While most have transitioned easily,

we have a few who are still holding out hope that their parents will withdraw them from school. As we move past Halloween and all that we experienced in October, our Day School students are looking forward to all that November will offer. We’re excited about our upcoming Thanksgiving Feast on November 20. On that day, we’ll invite all of the Day School families to a delicious lunch that includes turkey and all the fixin’s. Ms. Tonia, our Kitchen Manager, prepares all of the food in the days leading up to the Feast. We expect about 150-200 people. I am personally looking forward with excitement to Ms. Tonia’s turkey. As we prepare for Thanksgiving Feast, we are in need of donations of turkeys or funds for turkeys. We would greatly appreciate any support that you could provide. If you cannot donate funds or turkeys, we could also use help in preparing the food, setting up the space, and serving. Feeding over 200 members of our Day School community is quite an expensive undertaking. Thank you, as always, for supporting this ministry. We do our best every day to make you proud and serve the children and families in our care.

Faith Schools by Kendolyn Pope, Director of Faith Schools

Parent’s Night Out November 13 Faith Center Gym 6:00 - 10:00 PM Fun activities for kids from ages six months to 12 years old. The cost is $15 for one child, $10 per each additional child (same household) with a $45 household max. RSVP via email to PNO@faithbellaire.org to ensure that we have a spot for your kiddos.

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Jingle Bell Express is coming to town!

Jingle Bell Express was created in 1980 by the CCSC to meet the needs of low-income children. The program’s purpose is to provide Christmas joy to families who might otherwise be unable to celebrate the holidays. The CCSC operates on a

shoestring budget to organize over 600+ volunteers in order to help 2,600+ children receive books and toys, and over 800 families receive holiday food packages. What a way to be a blessing and share Jesus’ giving spirit!

How can you help? 1. Adopt a cradle! Pick up a cradle in the Narthex and take it

home to paint and decorate. Return the cradle by Sunday, December 6 to the Narthex. Including a baby doll would make a perfect gift!

2. Volunteer during the sort, set-up, and distribution phases. This is a great way for your children to help you and be a blessing themselves!

3. New toys and books are needed for donation for children ages 0-15 years. The highest needs are for quality infant/toddler toys, as well as for teenagers.

Where to go? Bellaire United Methodist Church 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401

When: Be on the lookout in November for a table to sign up to volunteer. Mark your calendar for these volunteer days and times:

Monday, December 7, Moving night for items from CCSC to BUMC, 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Tuesday, December 8, Food assembly in bags at BUMC, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, December 9, Toy & Book Sorting, 6:00 - 8:00

PM Friday, December 11, Distribution, 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM Saturday, December 12, Distribution, 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Also, in November, we’ll have collection bins set up for new

toys and children’s books. Suggested books and toys: Books: new children’s books needed, picture books, and

simple chapter books are recommended. Infant/Toddler Toys: Simple infant handheld toys and

blocks. Young Children Toys: Legos, pretend play items, scooter,

dolls, and vehicles. Teenagers: Mp3 player, large Lego set, curling or

flattening irons, makeup, and laser pegs. Be a blessing: CCSC’s Jingle Bell Express program may provide children in

need the only items they will find under the Christmas tree.

CCSC’s Jingle Bell Express is not “just about toys.” The program meets play, literacy, and hunger needs of underserved children in our community.

“You should see the kids’ faces when they get back from winter break! They’re still talking about what was under the tree that year! Jingle Bell Express really gives joy.”

–Local principal Questions: Contact Jennifer Cross: jmorencross@yahoo.com

Rebecca Ruth Circle The Rebecca Ruth Circle will meet on Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 AM in the Conference Room. We would love for you to join us for Bible study. Come hungry! Bring your sack lunch; desserts and drinks are provided. Socializing with the group is so joyful.

All are welcome!!

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Upcoming Lutherhill Ministry Camps

Camps for Elementary Alpha’s (3 Day Camp)

July 17-20, 2016 Cost: $235 (completed 1st grade)

Youngn’s

July 17-22, 2016 Cost: $390 (completed 2nd or 3rd grade)

Camps for Families

Advent Family Retreat December 4-5, 2015

Cost: $80 (13 years & older)/$45 (12 & under)

Mother Daughter Retreat February 19-21, 2016

Cost: $130

Women’s Pampering Retreat March 4-6, 2016

Cost: $155

Family Camp July 3-8, 2016

Cost: $65/Adult/Night, $45/Child/Night, No cost 3 and under

Camps for Junior High

Junior High Retreat November 13-15, 2015

Cost: $130

Camps for Senior High Sr. High Camp

July 24-29, 2016 Cost: $390 (completed 9th-12th grade)

For more information and registration, go to www.lutherhill.org or call 888-266-4613.

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Congregational Meeting Sunday, November 8 at 12:00 PM Faith Center We will gather in the Faith Center on November 8 at 12:00 PM for our Congregational Meal and Meeting. Key agenda items include the 2016 financial mission plan and electing congregational leaders. The Executive Board will host a Pre-Meeting Forum on November 1 at noon in the Fellowship Hall to allow for discussion of key items that will be on the agenda for the Congregational Meeting.

Blood Drive Social Ministry Board

Our next blood drive will be November 22, 2015. There is always a need for blood. Medical technology has provided many life-saving discoveries over the years, but there is still no substitute for blood. In a medical emergency, often the most important element is the availability of blood. Blood donations can help a variety of individuals: trauma victims, surgery patients, premature babies, individuals with anemia, cancer patients, and many more. Every blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives! Individuals who are 16 years old and 122 pounds (with parental consent), or at least 17 years old and 110 pounds, and are in general good health can donate blood. Faith will be hosting a blood drive on November 22. Please remember to sign up in the Fellowship Hall or online at www.giveblood.org (organization 1037) so there is adequate staff and minimal waiting time. If you are unable to donate, you can still participate by helping with snacks and a light lunch for the blood center staff, preparing the room the night before, or inviting a friend or relative who can donate to do so.

Sunday, November 8

O.W.L.S. (Older but Wiser Lutherans) Bingo Bash Saturday, November 7 at 1:00 PM Faith Center The Community Life Board would like to present Faith's newest group for our 50+ adults. You will have the opportunity to fellowship and have a great time together in the community. Our first event will be a new twist on BINGO and will be held Saturday, November 7, 1-3 PM in the Faith Center. Please bring a snack to share with the group. In the near future, you can expect events like opera night, fun trips, and game night. If you need transportation, please call the church office or email info@faithbellaire.org. Of course we always invite any mature adult to join us.

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Visit us online FaithBellaire.org

Every Sunday at 6:10 PM. A service of healing and recovery.

Upcoming Events Pre-Halloween Bash and Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 30, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Faith Center and Fellowship Hall No scary costumes

Jingle Bell Express

Sunday, November 1 Narthex Stop by and pick up a cradle to decorate

Bingo Bash Saturday, November 7, 1:00 - 3:00 PM Faith Center Bring a snack to share

Congregational Meeting and Lunch Sunday, November 8, 12:00 PM Faith Center

Thanksoffering Sunday, November 15 Sanctuary Offering will be collected November 22 during worship

Blood Drive Sunday, November 22, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Community Room

Thanksgiving Lunch Thursday, November 26, 12:00 PM Faith Center

Faith Lutheran Church 4600 Bellaire Boulevard at Avenue B

Bellaire, Texas 77401 Office: 713-664-3048 Fax: 713-664-3371

Faith Day School: 713-664-3233 Mother’s Day Out: 713-664-7726

FaithBellaire.org (website) info@faithbellaire.org (email)

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Sunday Worship Leader Schedule—November 2015

8:30 AM

November 1

November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29

Acolyte Andy Allen Joshua Boihem Audrey DeKunder Dylan McGouldrick Zach Michaud

Crucifer Sabrina Schlather JD Jones Ella DeKunder Matt Schawe Nate Michaud

Lector Bryan Ives Mardi Mayerhoff Del Thompson Bob Medlen Karen Elsen

Communion Assistants

Cory Nelson LaRae Nelson

Carl Watson Sharon Richter

Carl Watson Sharon Richter

Sara Karow Sharon Koch

Lenora Ohlenbusch Sharon Koch

Asst Minister Carol Strawn Bob Medlen Bob Medlen Karen Elsen Karen Elsen

Ushers Doug Elsen Chris Jones

Doug Elsen Chris Jones

Jeff Addicks Earl Thompson

Jeff Addicks Earl Thompson

Bill Freeman Art Grove

Altar Guild Suzanne Fisbeck Susan Tallman

Joann Welton Doris Williams

Joann Welton Doris Williams

Betty Dossey Tina Wood

Betty Dossey Tina Wood

10:50 AM

November 1

November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29

Acolytes Alice Tian Nicholas Groenewold

Dillon Williams Caleb Seitz

Sam Kennedy Ying Stock-Bordnick

Annika Becker Daniel Hecht

Andy Allen Alice Tian

Communion Assistants

Roxy Funchess Lorah Gough

Karen Ellison Diana Boihem

Mary Jane McBride Susan Tallman

Kelley Keller Helen Hecht

Wendy Farner Daniel Farner

Asst Minister Daniel Farner Lauren Apollo Lauren Apollo Susan Tallman Susan Tallman

Ushers Cross Family Mary Jane McBride Susan Tallman

Dave and Wendy Farner Jon and Nancy Holmes

Parkan Family

Common Grounds Youth and Family Youth and Family Youth and Family Youth and Family Youth and Family

Altar Guild Suzanne Fisbeck Susan Tallman

Joann Welton Doris Williams

Joann Welton Doris Williams

Betty Dossey Tina Wood

Betty Dossey Tina Wood

If you have been scheduled as a worship leader and are unable to serve, please arrange to trade with

someone else who is scheduled during the month and advise the church office of the change by Wednesday afternoon, email info@faithbellaire.org or 713-664-3048.

Rev. Kerry Nelson Senior Pastor Rev. Junfeng Tan Associate Pastor Stacy Williams Director of Operations Dr. Clayton Faulkner Director of Worship, Music, and Technology Jason Houlihan Director of Faith Formation Kendolyn Pope Director of Faith Schools Yu Cao Office Coordinator Alexandria DeCuire Office Coordinator Alan Balius Organist/Choir Director Alicia Obando Building Manager Ana Rivas Custodian

Sun

M

on

Tu

e W

ed

Thu

Fr

i Sa

t

1 A

ll D

ay A

ll Sa

ints

’ Su

nd

ay

All

Day

Day

ligh

t Sa

vin

g Ti

me

End

s 8:

30

AM

“H

erit

age”

Wo

rsh

ip

9:4

5 A

M F

aith

Aliv

e R

ehea

rsal

10

:50

AM

“Th

e G

ath

erin

g” W

ors

hip

10

:50

AM

Fai

th C

hin

ese

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC)

12:0

0 P

M L

un

ch (

FC)

12:0

5 P

M H

S P

are

nt

Me

etin

g (1

01

) 1:

30

PM

Han

d B

ell C

ho

ir (

200

) 2:

30

PM

Su

nd

ay S

ing

(20

8)

4:0

0 P

M C

on

firm

atio

n (

FH)

6:1

0 P

M “

6TE

N”

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC G

ym)

7:0

0 P

M A

l-A

no

n (

300)

2 9:

30

AM

ESL

(2

00, 2

01)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e(40

0, 4

01, 3

09)

6:

00

PM

SW

Rad

io C

on

tro

l (FC

) 6:

30

PM

ESL

(3

08)

3 9:

15

AM

Ch

ildre

n’s

Ch

apel

(Sa

nc)

9:

30

AM

ESL

(2

00

, 20

1)

10:0

0 A

M C

hu

rch

Sta

ff M

eeti

ng

(10

8)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (4

00

, 40

1, 3

09

) 6:

00

PM

Ste

war

dsh

ip B

oar

d M

eeti

ng

(10

8)

6:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e “2

nd

sta

ge”

Tee

n

Sup

po

rt G

rou

p (

FC)

6:3

0 P

M N

arco

tics

An

on

ymo

us

(30

0)

7:0

0 P

M F

irst

Pla

ce 4

Hea

lth

(3

09

) 8:

00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00

)

4 9

:00

AM

LW

R Q

uilt

ers

(10

1)

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01

) 2

:30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

40

0, 4

01

, 30

9)

6:0

0 P

M P

ain

tin

g G

rou

p (

30

7)

6:1

5 P

M S

oci

al M

inis

try

Bo

ard

M

eeti

ng

(10

1)

6:3

0 P

M E

SL (

30

8)

7:0

0 P

M P

asto

r K

erry

Bib

le S

tud

y (1

01

) 8

:00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00

)

5 9

:30

AM

ESL

(2

00

, 201

) 1

0:0

0 A

M R

ebec

ca R

uth

Cir

cle

(101

)

1:3

0 P

M P

alm

er D

rug

Ab

use

P

rogr

am M

eeti

ng

(20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (4

00, 4

01,

309

) 6

:45

PM

Exe

cuti

ve B

oar

d M

eeti

ng

(

(

10

1)

7:3

0 P

M A

A W

om

en

On

ly (

309)

7

:30

PM

Fai

th C

ho

ir (

208)

8

:00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00)

6 8:

00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00)

7 8:

00

AM

Fai

th H

ou

se B

ud

get

M

eeti

ng

(101

) 9:

00

AM

Gre

y Sh

eet

Eati

ng

P

rogr

am (

204

) 9:

00

AM

Co

rne

rsto

ne

(300

, 30

6,

30

7, 3

08,

30

9)

1:0

0 P

M B

ingo

Bas

h (

FC)

3:

00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00)

8 8:

30

AM

“H

erit

age”

Wo

rsh

ip

9:4

5 A

M F

aith

Aliv

e R

ehea

rsal

10

:50

AM

“Th

e G

ath

erin

g” W

ors

hip

10

:50

AM

Fai

th C

hin

ese

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC)

12:0

0 P

M C

on

greg

atio

nal

Mee

tin

g (

a

nd

Mea

l (FC

) 1:

30

PM

Han

d B

ell C

ho

ir (

200

) 2:

30

PM

Su

nd

ay S

ing

(20

8)

4:0

0 P

M C

on

firm

atio

n (

FH)

6:1

0 P

M “

6TE

N”

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC G

ym)

7:0

0 P

M A

l-A

no

n (

300)

9 9:

30

AM

ESL

(2

00, 2

01)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e(40

0, 4

01, 3

09)

6:

00

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne

Clim

be

rs (

401)

6:

30

PM

ESL

(3

08)

10

9:1

5 A

M C

hild

ren

’s C

hap

el (

San

c)

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01

) 9:

30

AM

Wo

men

’s C

on

nec

tio

n (

lob

by)

10

:00

AM

Ch

urc

h S

taff

Mee

tin

g (1

01

) 2:

30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

40

0, 4

01

, 30

9)

6:3

0 P

M N

arco

tics

An

on

ymo

us

(30

0)

7:0

0 P

M C

hu

rch

Co

un

cil M

eeti

ng

(10

1)

7:0

0 P

M F

irst

Pla

ce 4

Hea

lth

(3

09

) 8:

00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00

)

11

All

Day

Vet

eran

’s D

ay

9:0

0 A

M L

WR

Qu

ilter

s (1

01

)

9

:30

AM

ESL

(2

00

, 20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e(4

00

, 40

1, 3

09

) 6

:00

PM

Pai

nti

ng

Gro

up

(3

07

) 6

:30

PM

ESL

(3

08

) 6

:45

PM

Bel

lair

e M

om

pf

Mu

ltip

les

(3

09

) 7

:00

PM

Pas

tor

Ker

ry’s

Lea

rnin

g G

rou

p (

10

1)

8:0

0 P

M A

A C

o-E

d (

30

0)

12

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01)

1:3

0 P

M P

alm

er D

rug

Ab

use

P

rogr

am M

eeti

ng

(20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (4

00, 4

01,

309

) 7

:30

PM

Fai

th C

ho

ir (

208)

7

:30

PM

AA

Wo

me

n O

nly

(30

9)

8:0

0 P

M A

A M

en

On

ly (

300

)

13

6:0

0 P

M P

are

nt’

s N

igh

t O

ut

(FC

)

6:3

0 P

M C

hin

ese

Fello

wsh

ip

(10

1)

8:0

0 P

M A

A C

o-E

d (

300

)

1

4

8:0

0 A

M C

CSC

Fo

od

Pan

try

(St

. Lu

ke’s

UM

C)

9:

00

AM

Gre

y Sh

eet

Eati

ng

P

rogr

am (

204

) 9:

00

AM

Co

rne

rsto

ne

(300

, 30

6,

30

7, 3

08,

30

9)

3:0

0 P

M A

A C

o-E

d (

300

)

15

All

Day

Mo

un

tain

Mo

ver

Arti

cle

Du

e

8:3

0 A

M “

Her

itag

e” W

ors

hip

9:

45

AM

Fai

th A

live

Reh

ears

al

10:5

0 A

M “

The

Gat

her

ing”

Wo

rsh

ip

10:5

0 A

M F

aith

Ch

ines

e W

ors

hip

(FC

) 12

:00

PM

Lu

nch

(FC

) 1:

30

PM

Han

d B

ell C

ho

ir (

200

) 2:

30

PM

Su

nd

ay S

ing

(20

8)

4:0

0 P

M C

on

firm

atio

n (

FH)

6:1

0 P

M “

6TE

N”

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC G

ym)

7:0

0 P

M A

l-A

no

n (

300)

16

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

200

, 201

) 2:

30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

400,

401

, 30

9)

6:0

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e C

limb

ers

(40

1)

6:3

0 P

M E

SL (

308

)

17

9:1

5 A

M C

hild

ren

’s C

hap

el (

San

c)

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01

) 10

:00

AM

Ch

urc

h S

taff

Mee

tin

g (1

01

) 2:

30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

40

0, 4

01

, 30

9)

6:0

0 P

M D

S/M

DO

Bo

ard

Mee

tin

g (1

01

) 6:

30

PM

Nar

coti

cs A

no

nym

ou

s (3

00

) 7:

00

PM

Fir

st P

lace

4 H

ealt

h (

30

9)

8:0

0 P

M A

A M

en

On

ly (

30

0)

18

9:0

0 A

M L

WR

Qu

ilter

s (1

01

)

9

:30

AM

ESL

(2

00

, 20

1)

2

:30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

40

0, 4

01

, 30

9)

6:0

0 P

M P

ain

tin

g G

rou

p (

30

7)

6:3

0 P

M E

SL (

30

8)

7:0

0 P

M P

asto

r K

erry

’s B

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Stu

dy

(10

1)

8:0

0 P

M A

A C

o-E

d (

30

0)

19

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01)

1:3

0 P

M P

alm

er D

rug

Ab

use

P

rogr

am M

eeti

ng

(20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (4

00, 4

01,

309

) 7

:00

PM

Rec

ord

ing

Sess

ion

fo

r (

Mu

sic

Ense

mb

les

(San

c, F

C)

7:3

0 P

M F

aith

Ch

oir

(20

8)

7:3

0 P

M A

A W

om

en

On

ly (

309)

8

:00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00)

20

9:0

0 A

M R

eco

rdin

g Se

ssio

n f

or

(

Mu

sic

Ense

mb

les

(San

c, F

C)

12:0

0 P

M D

ay S

cho

ol

Than

ksgi

vin

g Fe

ast

(FC

) 6:

30

PM

Ch

ines

e Fe

llow

ship

(1

01)

8:

00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00)

21

9:0

0 A

M R

eco

rdin

g Se

ssio

n f

or

(

Mu

sic

Ense

mb

les

(San

c, F

C)

9:0

0 A

M G

rey

Shee

t Ea

tin

g

Pro

gram

(2

04)

9:0

0 A

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (3

00, 3

06,

3

07,

30

8, 3

09)

3:

00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00)

22

All

Day

Ch

rist

th

e K

ing

Sun

day

8:

00

AM

Blo

od

Dri

ve (

FC)

8:3

0 A

M “

Her

itag

e” W

ors

hip

9:

45

AM

Fai

th A

live

Reh

ears

al

10:5

0 A

M C

om

bin

ed W

ors

hip

- “

The

G

ath

erin

g” &

Fai

th C

hin

ese

Wo

rsh

ip

(San

c)

12:0

0 P

M L

un

ch (

FC)

12:0

0 P

M R

eco

rdin

g Se

ssio

n f

or

(

Mu

sic

Ense

mb

les

(San

c, F

C)

1:3

0 P

M H

and

Bel

l Ch

oir

(20

0)

2:3

0 P

M S

un

day

Sin

g (2

08)

6:

10

PM

“6

TEN

” W

ors

hip

(FC

Gym

)

23

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

200

, 201

) 2:

30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

400,

401

, 30

9)

6:0

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e C

limb

ers

(40

1)

6:3

0 P

M E

SL (

308

)

24

9:1

5 A

M C

hild

ren

’s C

hap

el (

San

c)

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

20

0, 2

01

) 10

:00

AM

Ch

urc

h S

taff

Mee

tin

g (1

01

) 2:

30

PM

Co

rne

rsto

ne(

40

0, 4

01

, 30

9)

6:3

0 P

M N

arco

tics

An

on

ymo

us

(30

0)

7:0

0 P

M F

irst

Pla

ce 4

Hea

lth

(3

09

) 8:

00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00

)

25

9:0

0 A

M L

WR

Qu

ilter

s (1

01

)

9

:30

AM

ESL

(2

00

, 20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e(4

00

, 40

1, 3

09

) 6

:00

PM

Pai

nti

ng

Gro

up

(3

07

) 6

:30

PM

ESL

(3

08

) 8

:00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00

)

26

All

Day

Th

anks

givi

ng

Day

A

ll D

ay C

hu

rch

Offi

ce &

Sch

oo

ls

Clo

sed

1

2:0

0 P

M T

han

ksgi

vin

g M

eal (

FC)

7:3

0 P

M A

A W

om

en

On

ly (

309)

8

:00

PM

AA

Me

n O

nly

(3

00)

27

All

Day

Ch

urc

h O

ffice

& S

cho

ols

C

lose

d

8:0

0 P

M A

A C

o-E

d (

300

)

28

9:0

0 A

M G

rey

Shee

t Ea

tin

g

Pro

gram

(2

04)

9:0

0 A

M C

orn

ers

ton

e (3

00, 3

06,

3

07,

30

8, 3

09)

3:

00

PM

AA

Co

-Ed

(3

00)

29

8:3

0 A

M “

Her

itag

e” W

ors

hip

9:

45

AM

Fai

th A

live

Reh

ears

al

10:5

0 A

M “

The

Gat

her

ing”

Wo

rsh

ip

10:5

0 A

M F

aith

Ch

ines

e W

ors

hip

(FC

) 12

:00

PM

Lu

nch

(FC

) 1:

30

PM

Han

d B

ell C

ho

ir (

200

) 2:

30

PM

Su

nd

ay S

ing

(20

8)

6:1

0 P

M “

6TE

N”

Wo

rsh

ip (

FC G

ym)

7:0

0 P

M A

l-A

no

n (

300)

7:

15

PM

Hig

h S

cho

ol N

igh

t (4

00,

401

)

30

9:3

0 A

M E

SL (

200

,20

1)

2:3

0 P

M C

orn

ers

ton

e(40

0, 4

01, 3

09)

6:

30

PM

ESL

(3

08)

7:0

0 P

M v

8 Ea

rly

Ford

(30

0)

16

No

vem

ber

20

15

- C

alen

dar

of

Even

ts