Vol. 19, No. 4 April 1, 2017

You Know That You Believe. Now Come and Discover the Evidence for Why.

Facts don’t lie! Discover the real evidence of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Whether you have questions, are a new believer, or have been a Christian your entire life, you will be touched by the true story of an award-winning investigative journalist—and avowed atheist—who applies his well-honed journalistic and legal skills to disprove the newfound Christian faith of his wife…with unexpected, life-altering results.

Beginning on Easter Sunday (April 16th), we will begin a four-week sermon series based on the major motion picture, The Case for Christ. This moving story will not only inspire you, it will equip you to share the exciting evidence with others.

Pastor Dorn will be leading a four-week Bible study based on the motion picture and the book, Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel. The study begins the Sunday after Easter (April 23rd) in Room 123 at 9:30 a.m.

The movie opens in theaters on April 7th. Pastor Dorn is plannnig to take a group to see the movie. A discussion will follow at a local restaurant…details will be announced.

Maundy Thursday - Living Last SupperOn Maundy Thursday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m., imagine

yourself in the upper room where Jesus is surrounded by His disciples. There are many questions in their minds, but the greatest of them comes from Jesus Himself when He says, “One of you will betray Me.” This will be a time of examination for the disciples and for us as we all ask, “Is it I, Lord?”

In this dramatic portrayal of the Last Supper, we will hear from each of the disciples and follow what may have been their thoughts during their celebration of the Passover and the

institution of Holy Communion.This powerful presentation, under the direction of George Horneber, will feature 13 men from Trinity who

will assume the roles of Jesus and His disciples and will use Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of the Last Supper as a backdrop for the events of the evening.

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Call to Pastor Harrison ParkerOn the afternoon of March 26, Pastor Harrison Parker contacted me to announce his decision on the Call to

serve at Trinity in the areas of youth and missions. Pastor Parker was prayerfully considering our Call along with two other Calls as well. He has decided to decline the Call to Trinity and accept a Call to the Michigan District. We wish Pastor Parker God’s richest blessings in his decision and on this new season of his ministry.

Kim Davis, chair of the Call Committee, will be gathering her team together to resume the search for a candidate focussed on youth ministry.

Please keep the ongoing search process in your prayers as we look to our Lord for the person He has planned to join us in the mission of “Joyfully sharing Christ’s saving love with all people, Now!”

Yours in Christ, Pastor Michael Dorn, Senior Pastor

School Task ForceA special Task Force is being organized to

look at the criteria by which Trinity might be able to restart a Day School. Mr Matt Meier will be leading this group and its work over the next year to determine if a restart is possible and the conditions that would have to be in place for the school to succeed. Items that will be considered include:

• Current trends in education• Economic and structural models of

private schools• Needs assessments• Competitive analysis and marketing • Branding/rebranding optionsIf you are interested in participating on

the Task Force, please submit your name and your special skills and experience that might be useful to the task force to Mr. Meier at mmeier@trinitydt.org or 210.639.5553.

Voters Affirm Current GovernanceA special congregational meeting was held on March 19th. This was

a petitioned meeting by 25+ members of the congregation who wanted to begin the process of changing the current form of governance. There were over 180 in attendance at the meeting. After a lengthy discussion, the congregation voted with a 69% majority to continue under the current form of governance.

It was noted in the meeting that Trinity’s existing governance structure has a great deal of flexibility built into it so that it can nimbly address the changing needs of the congregation. Members of the Governing Board assured those present that their concerns have been heard and that they will be evaluating the need to make changes to current policies, practices and processes where appropriate. A common theme expressed at the meeting was the desire for more members to be involved in the ministry.

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Finance Corner - April 1, 2017I am very happy to report that, through February 28th, our revenues are higher than

planned, and our expenses were both lower than planned and lower than this same time in 2016.

Specifically, church tithes and offerings, tuition and fees received year to date totaled $572,000, and were $38,000 higher than our budget. Total expenses (including the school’s ongoing costs) incurred year to date were $633,000, which was $31,000 lower than our ministry financial plan, and $51,000 lower than this same period last year. Including debt-related payments of $41,000, the year-to-date operating deficit was $102,000 at the end of February.

Mighty Acts and Organ Fund designated gifts remained healthy in February, and totaled over $19,000.On another note, it appears that Concordia Publishing House erroneously mailed offering envelopes for

January and February of 2017 with a check-box labeled “HUG2” instead of “Mighty Acts” for your use in designating your capital campaign gifts. If you made a Mighty Acts offering using one of these envelopes, please rest assured that if you checked the “HUG2” box, your offering has been credited toward your Mighty Acts pledge. CPH had corrected their mistake by the time they shipped the March/April envelopes.

Your servant in Christ,Ron Lacy, CFO

Houston Camerata Presents Concert at Trinity, April 30Houston Camerata presents the concert, The Joy of Music – Celebrating 5 Years, on Sunday, April 30, 2017

at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity. This concert will feature a wide array of classical, ethnic, contemporary and folk choral music from around the world, including Latin America, the United States and Europe.

Houston Camerata, an auditioned chorus founded and directed by Dr. Paulo Gomes, will celebrate its 5-year anniversary with this concert. The group routinely rehearses at Trinity and is made up of volunteers from all walks of life who love music and embrace the opportunity to perform music of various cultures. One of the featured works in this concert will be Hymn to Saint Cecilia, by Benjamin Britten, a piece to honor the patron saint of music.

There is no admission charge for this concert although a free-will offering will be appreciated.

Mother’s Day Corsage Fund RaiserHouston Lutherans For Life (HLFL) will take pre-orders on Sundays April 23, 30 and May

7 for beautiful Mother’s Day orchid corsages. Cost for each corsage is $10 with proceeds benefitting HLFL. Corsages may be picked up on Mother’s Day, May 14.

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Mighty Acts - Milestone CelebrationOnce again, a cake ball

celebration was held on February 26 to mark the achievement of another milestone in our Mighty Acts capital campaign. Thanks to your ongoing prayerful and faithful support of the campaign, the goal of $1,235,000 by December 31 was met and exceeded by more than $20,000. Since then the $1,300,000 level has been passed!

On the same Sunday, Trinity’s longstanding partnership with the Texas District Church Extension Fund was highlighted with the presentation of an annual rebate check to the congregation in the amount of $11,696. Texas CEF has a unique role in extending God’s kingdom by helping LCMS congregations in Texas to acquire land and buildings and by linking investors with congregations. CEF’s business model is a partnership between congregations, members, and CEF. Supporting investments from individuals, congregations, and other entities provide the funds for Texas CEF to make loans to congregations. Each investor may designate a congregation to receive credit for their invested dollars. Investments are not pledged for any congregation’s loan. In order to encourage strong partnerships between CEF and the borrowing ministry, Texas CEF developed the Incentive Rebate Plan so congregations can receive a discount on their borrowing costs when members invest. The stronger the partnership – the larger the rebate.

Texas CEF offers a variety of investment vehicles, including Flex Savings, Fixed Rate Term Notes, Flex Rate Term Notes, and IRAs. Wes Krueger is Trinity’s CEF representative and can be contacted with any questions at 713.686.0363. Texas CEF may also be reached at 1.888.951.1233, or online at TexasCEF.org.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,and His greatness is unsearchable. - Psalm 145:3

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Dag CalafellPat Cleary

Kim Davis (Vice Chair)Delvin Dennis (Elder)Pastor Michael Dorn

Bill Fischer (Elder)Bo Hopmann

Dan Krueger (Elder)Steve Maynard (Chair/Elder)

Jean Minsch (Secretary)Joshua Rodriguez (Elder)

Brad Vieselmeyer

2017 GOVERNING BOARD

Minutes of the Governing Board are available to our members at the

Welcome Center.

Easter LiliesBeautiful Easter lilies will adorn the gym and

sanctuary for Easter. If you would like to purchase one or more for $8 each, please contact Pam Schroeder at 713.229.2944 or pschroeder@trinitydt.org with the quantity and dedication. Lilies may be taken home after the 10:50 and 11:00 a.m. Easter services.

Deadline to order and have dedication in Easter Service Folder is April 5.

First Communion at Maundy Thursday Evening ServiceWe welcome at our Communion Altar the following youth on

Maundy Thursday evening:Joelle Kaylee George Lazarus Noah ReinckeMcKenna Marie George William Leonhardt ReinhardtKiley Nicole Jeter Dominic Adam RodriguezSteven Brooks Wood Porter Joel Adan Velazquez

We pray for God’s richest blessings on these young people and their parents as they now will participate with us at the Communion Altar.

Spring Food Drive - Sunday, April 30Our annual Spring Food Drive will take place on Sunday, April 30,

this year.Please help our neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food

items, baby items or monetary gifts. Donations support our neighborhood Food Pantry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

You may bring your donations anytime Sunday morning, April 30, and place them

in Steve and Tana Bell’s van on the parking lot in front of the church.

Church Work DayApril 22

All hands are needed on April 22 at 8:30 a.m. to help spruce up our church grounds. Please bring paint brushes and shovels.

Call Faye Faszholz at 713.723.1671 to let her know you can help.

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Trinity Prays! Prayers from the Vigil of Easter!May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen our hearts and bless us all with the peace and power of His resurrection. Amen.

Taught by our Lord and trusting His promises, we are bold to pray:

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed

be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Vigil of EasterO God, You are like a refiner’s fire, and Your Spirit enkindles the hearts of Your faithful people with the fire

of Your love. Bless, we implore You, this new flame and those who keep this joyful Easter festival that, burning with desire for life with You, we may be found rightly prepared to share in the Feast of Light which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Almighty and most merciful God, pour out on us Your abundant blessing that all who in true faith share this night in joyful celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead may be filled with Your heavenly benediction. Once we were in darkness, but now we are in the Light, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, through Your Word and Spirit You most wonderfully created all things, and through the Word made flesh You brought new life to fallen humanity. Grant that in Your mercy we may be conformed to the image of Him who shares fully in our humanity, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, by the death and resurrection of Your Son You cleansed our hearts and put a new Spirit within us. Grant that all who are brought to newness of life in the fellowship of the body of Christ may show forth in their lives what they confess with their lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

O God, Your Son came as the Son of Man to breathe His Word and Spirit upon the dry, dead bones of Adam’s children. Grant that we may hear Your holy Word, receive Your Spirit, and rise each day from the death of sin to live in newness of life before You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Look in mercy, O Lord, upon Your faithful people, and by Word and Spirit bring to completion that good work which You have begun in us. Gather in Your people that all the world may see and know that what has been cast down is raised up and what has grown old is made new, until the work You have begun in us is brought to its joyful fulfillment in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, You made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection. Preserve in us the spirit of adoption which You have given so that, made alive in body and soul, we may serve You purely; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100010480.

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Be in the WordAdult Bible Classes - Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

“Case For Christ” - Led by Pastor Dorn - Room 123Pastor Dorn will be leading a four-week Bible study based on the motion picture and the book, Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel. The study begins the Sunday after Easter, April 23rd.

“How to Rejoice in Any Situation” - Led by Jim Cleary’s Team - Room 233Joy is found in the strangest places: in hospital rooms where patients are weak from surgery; around a dinner table when a husband announces he has been laid off; in a household where every waking moment is filled with laundry, cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Situations like these are hardly “fun,” but they can be surprising occasions of joy. This Bible study helps you discover how to rejoice in any situation. Discussion oriented.

“Lutheran Confessions: A Study of the Augsburg Confession” - Led by Christian Messa’s and Josh Rodriguez’s Team - Room 211

This 13-part study from Concordia Publishing House will examine what it means to be Lutheran. We invite you to join us as we take an in-depth look at Lutheran doctrine.

“Reading Your Bible In One Year” - Led by Pastor Leeland’s Team - Room 209This Bible class is designed to support and encourage you in your journey through the Scriptures. It will be a spiritual journey from Genesis to Revelation! Through your daily readings, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will meet you in His Word. You will get to know Him and our Heavenly Father in deeper ways by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit through the Word!

“Study of the Book of Acts” - Led by Bill Fischer’s Team - Room 201ACTS is the story of how the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ grew from a small group of uneducated people hiding from the Jewish religious leaders and spread throughout the Western world into Rome, the center of that world. As told by Luke it begins with Peter at Pentecost and then follows the travels of the reformed Pharisee, Saul/Paul.

Kids Bible Time/Youth Bible Classes - Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Age 3 through 3rd grade meet in Kids Park (Mary/Martha Hall in basement) for opening Pre-K (ages 3 and 4) - Basement Nursery Room 6th-7th Grade - Room 208, 2nd floorK - 3rd Grade - Basement 8th Grade Confirmation - Room 1244th-5th Grade - Room 207, 2nd floor 9th-12th Grade - Underground Student Center (basement)First Communion - Room 214, 2nd floor

Adult Midweek Bible Studies

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study - “Gospel of St. Luke”Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. - Room 205 - Women’s Bible Study led by Audrey Black (will not meet April 11)Wednesday Women’s Bible Study - “One God: Many gods, a Study on Cults”Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. - Gathering Space - Women’s Bible Study led by Jan CaseWednesday Women’s Bible Study - “The Armor of God” (resumes April 19)Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. - Rm 205 - Women’s Bible Study led by Mary OliverSonrise Bible StudyThursdays at 6:30 a.m. - Room 124 - Led by Pastor BlackTnT - 20s and 30s Group Bible StudyCurrent Study: “The Means of Grace” - Meets 1st and 3rd Fridays at 7:30 p.m. - off site. Contact Rachel and Dag Calafell at rachel.calafell@gmail.com or 832.389.8998 for more information.

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Funding Trinity’s Tanzania Missions Trip, June 18-29, 2017Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

My soul magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! These verses from Psalm 103 and Luke 1 answer the question, “Why would anyone go to Tanzania on a Mission Trip?”

The answer is simply because of the joy of Jesus in our hearts that fills our souls with the desire to bless God’s name and to magnify His grace in Jesus all around the world! The LORD has given us the opportunity to go to Tanzania to let the light of Jesus and His love shine forth in a part of that country where the Gospel needs to go!

We will be partnering with e3 Partners. There will be a water well drilling project that will change people’s lives for the better and we will share the Gospel in simple ways by working with two very small Lutheran congregations there. Our presence will be a great blessing and encouragement to fellow believers in Jesus as we walk with them in sharing the saving love of Christ now!

Right now, we have two members joining Pastor Dorn for our June 18-29, 2017 Mission Trip with several more members still praying about going. There is still time for you to join this exciting adventure of faith by connecting with Pastor Dorn!

The two members confirmed to go are Sherry Johnson and her son, Travis Johnson. We can be a great blessing and encouragement to Sherry and Travis by going to the Pure Charity funding website and making gifts and donations to help cover the cost of this Mission Trip.

Here are their links:https://www.purecharity.com/sherry-johnsons-fundraiser-for-tanga-tanzaniahttps://www.purecharity.com/travis-johnsons-fundraiser-for-tanga-tanzaniaMay our Lord Jesus Christ raise up even more members to go to Tanzania for His glory in sharing His love

and serving others by the power of His Holy Spirit. And, may the Lord bless all preparations to go with His peace and joy and provision for all that this team will need to the Father’s glory. Amen.

Parents Night OutFriday, April 21, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Hello parents, do you need an evening without kids? Maybe get some personal errands done. Meet up with friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Or just do some shopping, or watch a movie without cartoon characters.

Well, look no further than Trinity Lutheran School. We are offering a monthly parent night out. It is open for all age groups 6 weeks to 8th grade. You’ll feel great about dropping them off at our safe and secure school. We will provide dinner, entertainment, games and more.

The fees for children under two are $40. The fee for children two and older are $35. There is also a family discount of $10.

Open to the public. Invite your friends and family to join you on date night and bring their kids, too. Emergency contact information will be required for all visiting children.

Payment is required to be made at sign up and is non-refundable. May be cancelled due to low sign up. Call 832.301.3100 to RSVP.

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Lutheran World ReliefLutheran World Relief (LWR) is an organization

which works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering. LWR was created in 1945 to provide relief to Europe after World War II and has continued providing help and support to over 4 million people through 126 projects in 36 countries including Philippines, Syria, and South Sudan. When disaster strikes, LWR provides life-saving relief and support to those most in need and continues long after the headlines have faded, working with communities to rebuild their lives and recover their livelihoods. LWR along with local partners helps people to have access to clean water and health care, teaches people about water management, diseases of poverty, and agricultural techniques, and provides people with the skills to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Small-scale farmers have access to markets through LWR such as Fair Trade Coffee and Fair Trade Chocolate. LWR is part of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative to eliminate deaths from malaria in Africa. To learn more about LWR, go to www.lwr.org. Ladies Circle Ministries members support LWR by gathering on the third Tuesday of the month to make quilts throughout the year, making the kits of care, and collecting soap. The Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will occur the Monday after Easter to pack and send the quilts, kits, and soap to LWR. Please bring your kits to church by Sunday, April 16th, and put them in the LWR container in the foyer by the stairs.PERSONAL CARE KITS 1 bath-size towel (approximately 52” x 27”), dark color

recommended2 bath-size bars (4 to 5 ounces) of soap, any brand, in original

wrapping1 adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging*1 sturdy comb, remove packaging1 metal nail clippers, remove packaging*Toothbrush multi-packs may be used by sealing the individual

toothbrush in a business envelope; no plastic bags or wrapDo not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. All items should be new or in good condition. Wrap all items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarns. Do not use any plastic bags.

SOAPNew bars of any brand soap, in their original wrapping. All bars are accepted; however, bath-size bars (4 to 5 ounces) are highly preferred.

SCHOOL KITS4 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper,

approximately 8” x 10½”; no looseleaf paper1 30-cm ruler or ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on

the other side1 pencil sharpener1 blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work

well)5 unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a

rubber band5 black/blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a

rubber band1 box 16 or 24 crayons

1 2½” eraser1 sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth bag, approximately 14” x

17” with shoulder straps (no standard backpacks)Do not add other items or leave out any item listed. All items should be new and in good condition. Remove excess packaging; pack all items in bag and close. Do not enclose the kit or any of its items in plastic bags.

BABY CARE KITS2 light weight cotton t-shirts2 long- or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers (without feet)2 receiving blankets, medium weight cotton or flannel or crocheted

or knitted with light weight yarn, up to 52” square4 cloth diapers, flat fold preferred1 jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt with hood, or include a baby cap2 pairs of socks1 hand towel, dark color recommended2 bath-size bars (4 to 5 ounces) of gentle soap, in original wrapping2 diaper pins or large safety pinsSizes up to 24 months may be used. Varying sizes of the clothing items will make the Baby Care Kit useful as the baby grows. Sweaters with buttons or tie down the front are preferred. Diapers can be made from flannel. Gently used, clean items (no stains or tears) may be substituted for new ones. Wrap items in one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins. Do not enclose the kit or any of its items in plastic bags.

Donated items should not have any religious symbols, messages or Trinity’s name or be decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols or references to the armed forces, including camouflage.

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Prayers and Promises by Pastor David Leeland We are in the Season of Lent heading towards Holy Week and Easter in

April. We have been focusing on the Objects of Lent on Sundays and on Jesus’ answer to the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” on Wednesdays in Midweek Worship.

We are concentrating on Jesus and all that Christ Jesus did to pay for sin, defeat the devil and turn death into a door to heaven because it’s all about Jesus!

Take Jesus out of the equation and there is: ¾ no salvation. ¾ no forgiveness of sins. ¾ no eternal life with our God through His Son. ¾ only the darkness of sin, death and everlasting condemnation.

It’s all about Jesus! Moses put it this way: 15 “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to Him you shall listen…” And then the LORD Himself spoke through Moses, 18 “I will raise up for them a prophet like you (like Moses) from among their brothers. And I will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And whoever will not listen to My words that He shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him.” [Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19; ESV]

Martin Luther commented in his Lectures on Deuteronomy that these verses are a clear prophecy of Christ and are pivotal for our understanding the necessity of Jesus and the mission of His ministry.

Over and over again, Jesus tells the people that His words are not His own but are the words of His Father in heaven. Over and over again, Jesus tells the people that He came not to do His will but to fulfill the will of His Father. This means that everything Jesus says and everything Jesus does is at the direction of God Almighty and is in complete obedience to and harmony with the will of our heavenly Father.

Our heavenly Father spoke publicly twice about His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At His baptism, the Father declared, 17 “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17; ESV] And, 5 “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” [Matthew 17:5; ESV]

Through His sacrificial death on the Cross and His victorious rising from the dead on the Third Day, Jesus is: � the Author and Perfecter of our faith, � the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and � the Resurrection and the Life through whom we come to our heavenly Father.

May this Lenten Season, Holy Week Walk and joyous Easter Celebration take you deeper into the grace and love of our Lord. May Jesus be strong in you!

We pray: Lord Jesus, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and take all our Lenten Worship to shape our hearts and minds with YOUR grace and peace. Make our lives light for the world in the power of Your Gospel. Satisfy our thirsty and hungry hearts with Your Living Water and Bread from Heaven and may our heavenly Father receive all the glory through Your beautiful name. Amen.

Meyerland Farmers Market The Meyerland Farmers Market is held in the parking lot of Pilgrim

Lutheran Church (8601 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77096), every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Market has almost 30 vendors that include fresh fish, shrimp, beef, eggs and produce. The Market also includes a wide array of artisans that offer cheese, pastries, pasta, salsa, beef jerky and local bee products.

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BOARD OF ELDERS - CONTACT INFORMATIONDelvin Dennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ddennis@entouch.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281.415.8787Bill Fischer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bfisch@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .713.827.8664Dan Krueger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dwkrueger5@yahoo.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .901.258.4029Steve Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smaynard@durwoodgreene.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281.799.9600Joshua Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . joshrodriguez@hotmail.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .713.861.4046

Ladies Circle Ministries - April 6The monthly meeting of Trinity Ladies Circle Ministries will be held at 10 a.m. on

Thursday, April 6, in Room 205. Members and guests are invited to come early at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy refreshments and a time for fellowship.

The program for the day is entitled “God’s Design for Us in Nature: Natural Nutrition and Essential Oils in the Bible” and will be presented by Debbie Leonard and Dana Stoerkel.

The business meeting will include the election of officers for July 2017 - June 2018. For additional information, please call Ethelene Marshall, president, at 713.849.9266.Additional dates to remember:• April 5 & 19 - 10:30 a.m. Devotions at Highland Park Care Center, 2714 Morrison St.• April 16 - Easter Bake Sale - benefitting Bethesda/Good Samaritan Home• April 17 - 9 a.m. - Packing for LWR Ingathering• April 22 - 9:30 a.m. - LWML Bayou City Zone Spring Rally & Prayer Service, Memorial Lutheran

Church, 5800 Westheimer Road

A Life Quote for the Church Year –April 9 – Palm Sunday

“In affirming life, we aim not to establish superiority but to deliver salvation. Jesus’ servant Gospel forgives us, and redeeming others requires nothing different. We approach both defensive and desperate hearts with this same graceful humility and grateful compassion which He has given us (Philippians 2:6-8).

Prayer: Dear Savior, renew my heart, mind and conduct with Your unconditional love. Amen.”

This “Life Quote” is from Lutherans For Life – www.lutheransforlife.org

The 39 ClubThe 39 Club is invited to meet in the foyer following the 10:50 and 11 a.m. services on

April 9 and plan to have lunch together at Shanghai River Restaurant, 2407 Westheimer Road.

Following the Congregational Assembly meeting in March, the group enjoyed food and fellowship at Luby’s Cafeteria.

Those who are single, 39 and over, are invited to join us. For more information, contact Jean at 281.550.4752.

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Prayer - A Great Beginning A “morning” prayer is a wonderful way to focus your time and attention on seeking God’s plan for the day

ahead. Whether you need encouragement, peace, strength, or rest, God can meet you in a very real and present way when you go to Him with a humble heart. Seek God’s presence each morning before your energy and attention is pulled by all the tasks you have ahead. Here are a few helpful prayers to get your day started:

1. Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step I take will lead me closer to You. Help me to walk by Your Word and not by my feelings. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. Keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, and MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. Help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13, “For great is Your steadfast love toward me.” You already know the ways I will fall short and mess up. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me anyway. That’s amazing! Lord, help me to remember always what a gift it is to sit and pray with You. Amen.

2. Dear Lord, I don’t know who or what will cross my path today. But what I do know is that You are my Rock and my Fortress. Teach me to stand strong in You and choose only Your way today. Teach me to embrace anything that comes my way as an opportunity to see You at work and also as an opportunity to point others to You. Thank you that You love me and nothing can ever take that away from me! Your love is unconditional and You remind me that Your mercies are new every morning. Amen. Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

3. Father, my heart is heavy today. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like overwhelmed, distraught, exhausted seem to describe what I am today. I am not sure how to let You carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me; let me rest and refresh me so my heart won’t be so heavy this morning. In Jesus’ name Amen. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6-8

4. Dear Lord, help me to remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Wake me each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation and assurance into my heart as I prepare to go forward with my day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

Stephen Ministers are available to pray with you at anytime but are visible on Communion Sundays at all the worship services. They stand on each side of the aisles during communion distribution. You can be assured that all prayers are 100% confidential. We have been trained to actively listen and to care for others. God hears all of our prayers whether we pray alone, with a friend, with one of our pastors or with a whole congregation. Communion is a special time for me to pray and receive forgiveness and I feel extra close to God. If you feel the need to pray with a Stephen Minister, I encourage you to take advantage of this incredible ministry. You will be blessed and encouraged.

We are not in control, but we are deeply loved by the One who is! ❤

Linda Gray, Stephen Minister

Trinity Today - 13

‘Engaging Quotes’“The secret of a good sermon is to have a good

beginning and a good ending; and then to have the two as close together as possible.” — George Burns

“Retirement is a transition to a new lifestyle as well as from your career. Make a good transition by conducting a dress rehearsal.” — Rick Kahler

“Jesus became like us, so that we could become like Him. He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.” — Max Lucado

“Research suggests that combining thoughts of gratitude with daily meditations is especially effective for positive living.” — Dr. Fricchione

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged; and the glory of children is their parents.” — Proverbs 17:6“Active music making and passive listening – among older adults – is medicine for body and soul.” —

Robert Bergner

From “Engaging the Aging” - a timely newsletter for congregations serving older adults

Chocolate Candy and Weight GainThis information caught my eye immediately. Dark chocolate is my favorite “snack” and

we keep a supply of Dove Dark Chocolate or other brand pieces all the time. I must admit that I eat 3-4 of those chocolate bits daily, not only because I find them so delicious, but also due to the information we have that dark chocolate is healthful in preventing heart disease.

In a study, published in “Obesity”, February 2015, Dr. James Greenberg and other Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) scientists looked at the association between chocolate candy intake and weight gain. WHI participants were weighed at a study enrollment and again in three years. The amount of chocolate candy eaten was measured using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Not surprisingly, women who ate a one ounce serving of chocolate candy less than once a month had gained less weight in three years than those who ate that amount once a month, once a week or three or more times a week. A weight gain of about two (2) pounds was associated with additional one ounce of candy eaten per day over the three-year period.

Well, I might need to reconsider my intake of dark chocolate, but since I have not had the weight gain, it is going to be a challenge!

SOURCE: “Women’s Health Initiative Newsletter” HAPPY EASTER!

“Make Songs of Joy” - LSB 484Make songs of joy to Christ, our head; Alleluia! He lives again who once was dead! Alleluia!

Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100010480.

Julie Bertrand, R.N.

Ladies Circle Ministries Goodies SaleLadies Circle Ministries will have an Easter Goodies Sale on Easter morning,

April 16th. Let the Ladies do the baking for your Easter dinner. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Lutheran Home in Cypress. A free-will donation will be accepted for all items.

14 - Trinity Today

CHURCH REPORTFebruary 20 - March 19

BAPTISMSMarch 12

Summer Raine DeZurik

DEATHMarch 6

Agnes Ida Belle Hancock

TRANSFER IN• Wayne & Helen Leverkuhn from Messiah

LCMS - Mounds View, MN• Gary & Kathy Long from Pilgrim LCMS -

Houston, TX

NEW MEMBER CLASS• Jacqueline Bush• Curtis & Mhayumi Knisely• Michael Marriott

TRANSFER OUT• Sarah Behring to Friendship Celebration LCMS

- Meridian, ID• Derek & Maura Johnson to Our Savior LCMS

- Houston, TX• Keith & Lynn Nehring to Cross LCMS - New

Braunfels, TX• Jim & Diana Hilpert to Fishers of Men - Sugar

Land, TX

REVENUE UPDATEYear to Date through 03/19/17

Actual Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $379,816Budgeted Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $362,976

MIGHTY ACTS UPDATEYear to Date through 03/19/17

Total Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,324,052Pledged to Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,649,410

ORGAN FUND UPDATEYear to Date through 03/19/17

Total Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $419,106Remaining Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $172,848

SUNDAY SCHOOL TOTALS 1-8 H.S. Adult Total02/26 25 5 136 166 03/05 23 6 141 17003/12 20 6 117 14303/19 21 6 137 164Total Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $217.85

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 8:15 10:50 11:00 Total02/26 234 122 54 41003/05 236 108 45 37903/12 126 179 54 35903/19 163 217 56 436

STAFF DIRECTORYCHURCH

713.224.0684

Senior Pastor

Pastor Michael P. Dorn . . . 713.229.2940

Director of Caring Ministries

Pastor David A. Leeland . . 713.229.2916

Visitation Pastor

Pastor Donald G. Black . . 713.229.2917

Chief Financial Officer

Ron Lacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2970

Dir. of Administration and Human Resources

Trinity Garrett . . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2937

Interim Director of Music and Worship

Mary Voigt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2922

Director of Accounting

Roseann Gamez . . . . . . . . 713.229.2962

Manager of Facilities

John Valdez . . . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2905

Communications Coordinator

Pam Schroeder . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2944

Contributions Manager

Angela Avant . . . . . . . . . . . 713.229.2963

Host

Rollin Cattau . . . . . . . . . . . 713.224.0684

SCHOOL/TLEC832.301.3100

Head of School

Matthew Meier . . . . . . . . . 832.301.3105

Director of Early Childhood

Dawn Melody . . . . . . . . . . 832.301.3100

Enrollment and Marketing Coordinator

Tammy Wiederhold . . . . . . 832.301.3100

Joyfully sharing Christ’s SavingLove With All People Now!

APRIL 2017Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

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9:00 AM LINC Bible Institute

8:15 AM Traditional Wor-ship (C)

9:30 AM Bible Study Hour 10:50 AM Traditional Wor-

ship (C) 11:00 AM Modern Worship 12:15 PM Tanzania Mission

Trip Planning 2:00 PM HLC Rehearsal

7:00 PM Houston Camerata 10:00 AM Staff Leadership Team Meeting

10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study

6:00 PM Houston Bronze Ensemble

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Continuing Educa-tion

9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study

10:30 AM Ladies Circle HPCC 12:00 PM Lenten Worship (C) 5:15 PM Trinity Brass 5:15 PM Trinity Woodwinds 6:30 PM Lenten Worship (C) 7:15 PM Sanctuary Choir

6:30 AM Sonrise Bible Study

10:00 AM Ladies Circle Meeting

1:00 PM Peace-Filled Quilters

6:00 PM Living Last Supper Rehearsal

6:15 PM Trinity Handbells

9:00 AM LINC Bible Institute

8:15 AM Traditional Wor-ship (C)

9:30 AM Bible Study Hour 9:30AM Confirmand

Questioning 10:50 AM Traditional

Worship with Confirmation(C)

11:00 AM Modern Worship (C) 12:00 PM Living Last Supper

Rehearsal 12:00 PM 39 Club

7:00 PM Houston Camerata 10:00 AM Staff Leadership Team Meeting

11:00 AM Crochet Group 6:00 PM Houston Bronze

Ensemble 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry

Training

9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study

5:15 PM Trinity Brass 5:15 PM Trinity Woodwinds 5:30 PM Living Last Supper

Rehearsal 6:15 PM Trinity Handbells 7:15 PM Sanctuary Choir

12:00 PM Maundy Thursday Worship (C)

6:30 PM Maundy Thursday Worship/Living Last Supper (C)

12:00 PM Good Friday Wor-ship

6:30 PM Good Friday Tenebrae Worship

7:00 PM Houston Camerata 10:00 AM Staff Leadership Team Meeting

10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study

6:00 PM Houston Bronze Ensemble

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Continuing Educa-tion

9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study

10:30 AM Ladies Circle HPCC

5:15 PM Trinity Brass 5:15 PM Trinity Woodwinds 6:15 PM Trinity Handbells 6:30 PM Women’s Bible

Study 7:15 PM Sanctuary Choir

6:30 AM Sonrise Bible Study

1:00 PM Peace-Filled Quilters

9:00 AM LINC Bible Institute

4:30PM Wakefield/KeyWedding

6:00 PM Elders Meeting 6:30 PM Governing Board

Meeting 7:00 PM Houston Camerata

25 26 9:30 AM Women’s Bible

Study 5:15 PM Trinity Brass 5:15 PM Trinity Woodwinds 6:15 PM Trinity Handbells 6:30 PM Women’s Bible

Study 7:15 PM Sanctuary Choir

10:00 AM Staff Leadership Team Meeting

10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study

6:00 PM Houston Bronze Ensemble

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training

9:00 AM LINC Bible Institute

8:15 AM Traditional Wor-ship

9:30 AM Bible Study Hour 10:50 AM Traditional Wor-

ship 11:00 AM Modern Worship (C) 2:00 PM HLC Rehearsal

6:30 AM Easter Sunrise Service (C)

7:30 AM Easter Breakfast 8:15 AM Traditional Wor-

ship (C) 9:30 AM Bible Study Hour 10:50 AM Traditional Wor-

ship (C) 11:00 AM Modern Worship (C)

6:00 PM Parents Night Out 6:15PM Wakefield/

KeyWeddingRehearsal

27 28 6:30 AM Sonrise Bible

Study 9:00 AM PEP Club to

“Sound of Music”

7:00 PM Houston Camerata

29 9:00 AM LINC Bible

Institute

30 8:15 AM Traditional Wor-

ship (C) 9:30 AM Bible Study Hour 10:50 AM Traditional Wor-

ship (C) 11:00 AM Modern Worship 2:30 PM Houston Camerata

Concert

MAY

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MARCH

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16 - Trinity Today

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH800 HOUSTON AVENUEHOUSTON, TX 77007-7792

DATED MATERIALDELIVER BY MARCH 31, 2017

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

HOUSTON, TEXASPERMIT 6364

Jesus loves:

Joyfully sharing Christ’s saving love with all people, Now!

Article submission deadline April 10th for articles to be published May 1, 2017. Submit articles to pschroeder@trinitydt.org.Contact Pam Schroeder at 713.229.2944 with any questions about this publication.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULEPalm Sunday - April 9

8:15 and 10:50 a.m. - Traditional Worship (C)11:00 a.m. - Modern Worship (C)(Rite of Confirmation in 10:50 service)

Maundy Thursday - April 13Noon - Traditional Worship (C)

6:30 p.m. - Traditional Worship with Living Last Supper (C)(Rite of First Communion at 6:30 service)

Good Friday - April 14Noon - Traditional Worship

6:30 p.m. - Tenebrae Service

Easter Sunday - April 166:30 a.m. - Easter Sunrise Service (C)

7:30 a.m. - Easter Breakfast (Gathering Space)8:15 & 10:50 a.m. - Easter Festival Services (C)

11:00 a.m. - Easter Modern Service (C)