FRED’S FRAZES
“. . . wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’” - Matthew 2:1b – 2
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is over – although it really isn’t. As I sit here at the keyboard to write this column, it’s actually the sixth day of Christmas. But for all practical purposes it’s over. Trash cans will be out on waste pick-up days, filled with torn wrapping paper, ribbons and crushed boxes. Some of my neighbors have already braved the wet and cold to take down their Christmas decorations, although I refuse to do that until after January 6th, which is the Day of Epiphany and then Christmas is officially over. Actually, in some parts of the world the Day of Epiphany is observed much the way we do Christmas Day. For them, the gift exchange happens on Epiphany Day instead of Christmas Day; which makes a lot of sense because Epiphany marks the occasion of the Wise Men following the star to the Christ child and offering their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This year Epiphany begins on a Wednesday, although we will observe it to a degree this coming Sunday, January 3rd, which is the second Sunday after Christmas and the first Sunday in the new year 2010. Now, wait a minute, did I say new year?
If it’s hard to believe that Christmas is over, it might be even harder to accept the fact that time has moved us quickly to a new year. This is as good a time as ever to reflect and look ahead, much like the strange two – faced Janus who looks forward and backward and after which our month January gets its name. At a meeting of the Worship/Evangelism Committee a few weeks ago we spent a few minutes considering the work and accomplishments of the committee over the past year. At the time – before all of our special Christmas programs and activities – we noticed that attendance at worship seemed to have been down. There was nothing we as a committee could put our finger on for the cause of that; as a matter of fact the committee was pleased with the way everything was going. That led some of us to observe that sometimes when things are going smoothly people tend to get comfortable and complacent. Since we are at the beginning of a new year, when people are more likely to be making New Year’s resolutions, perhaps this is as good a time as any to challenge our members to make attendance at Sunday School and Worship a real priority for this coming year. Unfortunately, many of us seem to operate at a crisis mode when it comes to our faith. By that I mean that we are more likely to turn to God whenever there is a crisis in our lives. With a few exceptions, you hardly ever hear of anyone being driven to their knees when everything is going well. Don’t wait until some misfortune hits you before you turn to God and thank Him for his love, mercy and goodness!
As I look back over this past year with the members of Immanuel there is much to feel good about. We have been able to overcome some unforeseen events and come out stronger as a faith community. Who would have believed a year ago that we would be conducting a funeral for our beloved church secretary, Nancy Stack, this past summer? We still miss her, but are glad that we have Leanne, who brings her own gifts, energy and personality to this important position. And who would have known that Pastor Lori would have to give up her position due to a medical disability so suddenly and quickly? We still miss her, too, but are glad that we have a well-trained and committed core of volunteers, teachers and a dedicated Christian Education Committee members who, along with our Youth Director, Shay Meyer soon to be Director of Christian Education, have made sure that our ministry to children and youth continues. The Mission & Outreach Committee also picked up the slack and made sure we had two van-loads of gifts for Settegast Heights as well as sandwiches, cookies and volunteers for their Christmas Party. In addition, we provided volunteers and leadership for the Ministerial Alliance’s Christmas Basket & Toy Distribution this past month to over 80 families and 500 children. Believe me, without Immanuel’s help, this couldn’t have happened!
Believe me, I could go on and on. But as I find myself running out of room, let me just say that as I look back, I give thanks for what we have accomplished in God’s name. And as I look forward, I know that God has bigger and better things in store for us. See you in church Sunday.
CONSISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
The Consistory met on Monday, December 14th with 11 members and Pastor Banda present. Absent were Don Arrington, Melinda Hammock and Bobby Zwahr
- Minutes of the November Consistory meeting were approved.
- Treasurer’s Report – Bank balance as of 11/30/09 was $11,708.12.
Reports: Pastor Banda presented his report and shared a report from Youth Director, Shay Meyer.
Committees:
Building & Grounds: Cindy Nulisch read a report from Bobby Zwahr. Track lighting above Lord’s Supper embroidery is installed; also burned out bulbs in sanctuary were replaced and new ones ordered. The leak around roof vent near office work room finally repaired after several attempts and we will be billed $350. Steel plates to cover holes in doors will be delivered and installed soon. Two dead oak trees on front property were removed by Consolidated communications. Discussion followed on purchasing new ladder/scaffolding for changing bulbs in sanctuary – no decision reached.
Christian Education: Teachers prepared bags for Christmas Program and helped with “Santa”.
Worship Committee: Committee is almost finished with its busiest season and everything is going smoothly. The Sunday School Christmas program was especially well done and everything is set for Christmas Eve Service. It was noted that next year we need to solicit more help from members in helping decorate for Hanging of the Greens service.
Brotherhood: Will meet Tuesday night at Schulze’s Bar-B-Que
Mission & Outreach: Settegast Heights Christmas Party was held. Immanuel provided gifts for over 70 residents and helped with the party. We will be helping with the Christmas Basket drive headed by the Needville Ministerial Alliance.
Old Business: Constitution and By-Laws are being printed and will be put out for members to read before Annual Meeting. Shay Meyer’s position will not go before congregation for approval since she is already on staff and is being given a promotion and additional responsibilities. President Richter asked Cris Meyer, Mark Evans, Lynn Roesler, Kelly Dunk and Wyatt Bosse to serve on the Budget Committee and a couple more will be asked. The budget needs to presented to the Consistory at its January meeting. The annual congregational meeting will be held following worship Jan. 31st.
New Business: It was decided that a search committee would not be formed until after the 2010 Consistory is elected and installed. Nominees for 2010 Consistory include Nancy Urbanek (to fill one year term), Patsye Roesler, Cris Meyer, Carol Gerken, Leslie Kolkmeir and Kelly Dunk. Others are being contacted. Funds from the ’09 Marketplace were set aside for paving the back parking lot. An estimate of cost needs to be secured. President Richter read correspondence and building use requests were presented for approval.
MOTION, seconded and passed to send $1,000 to OCWM and $1,500 to the Association to be paid now. Also, Eden Seminary - $1,500, OCWM - $1,000 and Needville Ministerial Alliance - $700 to be paid at the end of the month.
MOTION, seconded and passed to distribute the following bonuses: Pastor Banda - $500, Shay Meyer $200, Erna Thielemann - $275, Don Dillard - $275, LeAnne Boureois - $275, organists Delores Bain and Teresa Banda - $25 gift certificates to Pier 36 and Sherry Engelbrook (Sunay babysitter) - $25 gift certificate to Pier 36.
Pastor Banda closed the meeting with a prayer.
*This is a summary of the meeting and not official minutes. Minutes will be approved at the January meeting of the Consistory.
IMMANUEL’S WOMEN’S GUILD
Immanuel’s Women’s Guild met Thursday, December 17, 2009, with 20 members and 12 guests present.
President Richter welcomed all and Pastor Banda led us in prayer. A fried chicken meal was served, catered by Wood Burners, with the officers furnishing the desserts.
Teresa Banda gave the program, reading scripture, then she told us of the beautiful story of the birth of their son.
President Richter called the meeting to order. Minutes were read and approved. A thank you card and love gift of $20.00 was received from Bernice Leissner. Also a thank you and request was received from Eden’s Seminary. Treasurer’s Report was given by Erna Thielemann. Left over money from Thanksgiving Baskets was given to the Food Pantry. Memorial Fund, and Organ Fund, and two gift certificates to Jay’s Restaurant for the Graebers and the Conrads for shopping for the food baskets.
Old Business: Viola Fuchs made a motion that we bake cookies for the Nursing Home for Valentine’s Day, Jeanette Balcerowicz seconded the motion, motion approved by all. President Richter will contact the nursing home.
New Business: Elverna Graeber made a motion we give $450.00 to the Division of Over Seas Ministries of which Yvonne Huegel’s daughter is employed, serving as an Environmental and Christian Education Specialist in Chile. Motion was seconded by Teresa Banda and approved by all. Erna Thielemann suggested we give $200.00 to Eden’s Seminary, and $200.00 to the Heifer Program for Third World Countries. Everyone agreed.
“Happy Birthday” was sung to Hester Bain, Carol Bosse, Erna Thielemann, and Geraldine Winkelman. Over 90 birthday was Lottie Gerken, who is 96. “Happy Anniversary” was sung for Teresa and Pastor Fred Banda, and over 60 years were Ruby Lee and Albin Oberhoff, who are married for 66 years.
A thanks was given to Ruby Poncik who sent 50 Christmas Cards, 12 to Shut-ins, 12 over 90 birthday cards and 12 over 60 Wedding Anniversary Cards, and for all the other cards she sends during the year. Also a Thanks was given for the Quilters who gave the quilts for Open Marketplace and for the people who sewed the quilts for Back Bay Mission and Mexico.
Erna Thielemann passed out the new Program and Refreshment page for the coming year.
Secret Pal gifts were exchanged and meeting was closed.
January Attendance
3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st
157
Perfect Attendance for November
Lita Meyer Ryan Fredrickson Suzanne Mikeska Reese Fredrickson
Keeli Teykl Mikayla Mikeska Kyler Teykl Anna Gadway
Colton Mikeska Justin Winkelman Madeline Gadway Chase Miller
Makenzie Raesner Marla Sebesta Shay Meyer Jill Phillips
Becky Oberhoff Delbert Wendt
Average Attendance - 40
Acolyte Schedule
January 3 Reid Halbert, Chase Miller February 7 Lauren Archer, Kelsey Dixon
January 10 Shae Blazier, Makenzie Raesner February 14 Reid Halbert, Chase Miller
January 17 Lauren Archer, Kelsey Dixon February 21 Shael Blazier, Makenzie Raesner
January 24 Reid Halbert, Chase Miller February 28 Lauren Archer, Kelsey Dixon
January 31 Shae Blazier, Makenzie Raesner
2009 – 2010 Sunday School Teacher Schedule
January February
Nursery Charlotte Hendrick Shawn Winkelman
Nursery Kim Fredrickson Kim Fredrickson
K-1 Amy Bosse Shawn Thielemann
2-3 Carol Gerken Karen Gadway
4-5 Shelley Baker Stacey Schodek
6-7 Kelly Dunk
Confirmation Cris Meyer Marla Sebesta
High School Shay Meyer Shay Meyer
Adult 1 Becky Oberhoff/JoAnn Morton Becky Oberhoff/JoAnn Morton
Adult 2 
DATES TO REMEMBER
January 1 New Years Day – Office Closed
January 14 Senior Citizen Fundraiser Meeting
January 20 Senior Citizen Social @ Methodist Church
January 24 Senior Citizen Fundraiser
January 31 Annual Congregational Meeting
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Grace Community Fellowship has a food pantry that is open on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, distributing boxes of food to needy families. Volunteers are needed to help pack the boxes beginning at 9:00am and again for the food distribution beginning at 1:00pm. The drive-thru pickup begins at 2:00pm. The dates for upcoming distributions are January 19th and February 16th. Your help is greatly needed!
11th ANNUAL LEROY MIKSCH FUNDRAISER
The Needville Senior Citizen Funday – now known as the Leroy Miksch Memorial Fundraiser – will be held on Sunday, January 24th at the KC Hall. Raffle tickets for 3 quilts will be sold for $2 each or 6 for $10. Tickets are available at the church office and area businesses. A Live and Silent Auction will be held, along with a Fried Chicken Dinner, Basket Raffle and Pastry Shop. Dinner Plates are $8 each.
LOST AND FOUND
Church Keys – Please, if you mistakenly placed the Open Marketplace Key, Extra Office Key, or the Communion Closet Key in your pocket and forgot you had it, PLEASE return it to the church office. We would appreciate it!
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our Annual Congregational Meeting has been set for Sunday, January 31st immediately following Worship. Among the items to be brought up will be approval of the 2010 Budget, election of 2010 Consistory, and proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. Your attendance would be appreciated!
TAKING DOWN THE GREENS
We’ve had our ‘taking out the greens’ workday as well as our ‘Hanging of the Greens Service’, so now it’s time to have our ‘taking down the greens workday’. Now we’re putting out the call to our members to help us take down all the decorations for our Advent and Christmas seasons. It really is a lot easier and quicker to take it down than it is to put it up. Not only that, but we’re also prepared to bribe you by providing a sandwich lunch. So, please, if you are able, plan to stick around and give us a hand this Sunday (January 3rd) immediately following worship.
BROTHERHOOD NEWS
The Brotherhood held a dinner meeting in December at Schulze’s Barbeque and had a great time. Our next meeting will be at the church at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 21st. We’re hoping to have a ‘Steak Supper Fundraiser’ on Saturday, January 23rd. More information will be coming forth SOON.
Youth Postings!
January 2010
Youth club begins again on Wednesday, January 6th – Please remember your dues on January 6th and February 24th. ($6 for 4th and 5th grade; $18 for 6th and up)
January and February Snack and Meal Schedule for Youth Club:
SNACK MEAL
01/06 - Schroeder Teresa & Carol Bosse
01/13 - Mikeska Rita Hedt
01/20 - Swanson Antrich
01/27 - Winkelman Clack
02/03 - Yelderman Crosby
02/10 - Archer Kolkmeier
02/17 - Pancake Supper – all youth assistance needed and appreciated.
02/24 - Baker Leus
Snacks and Meals Announcement:
In an effort to streamline snacks and meals we have scheduled parents to help by providing snacks or meals on particular days. You will be contacted in advance to make sure you are aware of your dates(s) and to offer help in any way possible so that our youth have something to eat each and every day youth club meets. If for any reason you are unable to help on your particular requested date, please let Shay or the office know as soon as possible so that we may make other arrangements. This will be on an alphabetical rotation circulating the parents of the youth that regularly attend. If you are not a parent, but would like to be on this rotation, please let me, Stacey Schodek, or Leanne (church secretary) know.
Confirmands:
Slumber Falls is calling your name…can you hear it??? Mandatory Confirmation Retreat (February 5th – 7th) is coming soon. We will meet after school on Friday and be back late Sunday afternoon. There is an early bird discount for registering early so don’t wait! We will need parents and/or sponsors to help drive us there.
Ash Wednesday:
February 17th is our annual Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper. Serving begins at 5:00pm & all youth are needed to help out by making the meal, serving, and cleaning up. Please join us.
LENT:
Starting February 24th we will be having Lenten Wednesday services. Meals will need to be ready to serve by 5:30 and all youth 4th – 7th will be meeting 5:30 – 6:45. High School will continue meeting at regular time 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm and we will NOT be attending the sanctuary service.
Huge kudos to each and every person who helped make the Christmas Program a success. Way to go!!
Questions or comments? shay@meyerranch.net or (832) 595-4028. Feedback always welcome. Thanks!