Immanuel United Church of Christ June 2010

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything. Ask any teacher, for example, and they will tell you that it’s time for school to be out! There are also seasons, and ask anybody around here who went through, what for us was a long, cold winter, and they’ll tell you that the 90 plus degree weather we’ve been having is a signal that we’re entering the season of summer – no matter what the science books tell us about summer starting June 21 st with the summer solstice. No doubt about it, then, it’s time for the season of summer.

Summer means different things to different people. For some, except for the hot, humid weather we experience around here, there’s not much that’s different. For kids, of course, it’s WONDERFUL – school’s out! For young parents, it’s a mixed bag – you get to have some quality time with your children, but you also have to keep them busy, entertained and safe. Some families are fortunate enough to have the means and freedom to take nice, extended vacations. Others can take modest, extended weekend trips to the beach, hill country, or family reunions. In general, though, summer is a time and season to slow down a little, change gears, take time off and be intentional about the ‘other’ 3 r’s – reflecting, relaxing and recreating.

As far as your church is concerned, we slow down in some areas and pick up in others. Our Wednesday evening Youth Club, Confirmation and High School Youth groups are over until next fall. As we’ve done the past several years, we’ll give our Sunday School teachers a break and not hold Sunday School until Rally Day. Seems like Shay, our Director of Christian Education, will have it easy for the next three months.

WRONG! First, we’re so glad that Carol Gerken and Debbie Mahlmann were able to clear their calendars and provide leadership for Music Camp. We didn’t have it last year and really missed it. So we’re starting off the first full week in June with Music Camp – be sure and get your kids and kids’ friends signed up.

Summer church camps are also being offered – be sure and get your children registered keeping in mind that we pay one half the early bird registration fee. If you register after that, you pay the difference.

We have our confirmands and a couple of their friends attending Eighters Camp at the end of June. Shay will be attending as a counselor – the second year she has done this – and we’re proud of her! In July we’ll have our Community Vacation Bible School and our youth and adults will participate in our Mission Trip to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. Interspersed among these activities will be some day activities for our children involving study, service and recreation. Shay will keep you informed, so be sure to read her column and watch the church bulletin and newsletter for upcoming activities.

Another group that will continue working through the summer is our Search Committee. By the time you receive this newsletter they will have completed the final draft of our church profile to be used in the search for a Senior Minister. Following that as soon as possible, they will meet with Douglas Anders, our Conference Minister, to go over the profile with him and proceed to the next step in searching for a minister. Also, the Consistory will be appointing a separate committee to search for an interim minister to fill in between the time that I retire and a new minister is called. Be sure to keep the Search Committee in your prayers.

I remember a dear soul in the first church I served in Laredo, Texas. Her name was Mattie Semmelmann, and every summer she would remind the little congregation that we “should never take a vacation from God”. How true. If you’re in town, God needs your presence in worship. If you’re traveling – what a wonderful opportunity to experience worship in another church or setting. And, of course, we need your offerings. Immanuel’s activities, programs and outreach ministries continue regardless of the time or season.

So, have a good summer and I hope to see you in church whenever you’re not traveling.

DATES TO REMEMBER

June 4 Last Day of School/Graduation

June 7-11 Music Camp 10am-3pm

June 16 Senior Citizen Social @ Immanuel 1:30pm

June 27 Semi-Annual Meeting Following Worship

June 27-30 Eighter’s Camp

July 12-16 Community VBS @ Immanuel

July 17-24 Mission Trip

"A man's children and his garden both reflect the
amount of weeding done during the growing season."

~~Author Unknown.~~

BIRTHS

Cash Timothy Raska

Born March 23, 2010

Parents: Chase & Amanda Raska

Madden Teel Ognoskie

Born April 20, 2010

Parents: Kyle & Meghann Ognoski

Patrick Balis Kelly

Born April 27, 2010

Parents: Corey & Angie Kelly

Whitney Rose Griffith

Born April 29, 2010

Parents: Wade & Jessica Griffith

Madisyn Ann Holik

Born May 22, 2010

Parents: Clifton & Melissa Holik

DEATHS

Della Beck

May 14, 2010

Congratulations to

Kimberly Blazier & William March, Jr.

On their Marriage

April 17, 2010

CONSISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Consistory met on Monday, May 10 th with 10 members present. Absent were Wyatt Bosse, Clint Mikeska, Patsye Roesler and Nancy Urbanec. Pastor Banda and Garrett Arrington were also present, as well as Kyle Dunk, who presented a preliminary idea for his Eagle Scout project..

The treasurer reported the bank balance as of 4-30-10 was $7,952.59. Reports were submitted by Pastor Banda and Shay Meyer.

Activities reported by various committees included: Removing the stump on the back lot and filling in the hole; a work chores list posted in the church; Consistory to stain the pew backs on May 19 th at 7:30 p.m.; reminding Consistory to help with Memorial Sunday; reviewing possible signs for the Immanuel cemetery; formalizing plans for May 16 th Memorial Sunday; possible dates for dinners by youth to raise money for the Mission Trip and finalizing plans for the Mission Trip July 17-23 at a cost of $150 per participant. In addition, the Search Committee will meet on May 27 th to proof the profile of the church that will be sent to the Conference Minister to review.

In Old Business the alternate phone number (793-3164) has been hooked up as a roll-over line and a new rate for our internet connection was secured resulting in a reduced phone bill; prices for dumpster collection were compared with our present provider and we will check into the cost of an 8 yd. container as compared to our current 6 yd. dumpster. Bids will be taken on A/C Maintenance Agreements to maintain our air conditioning systems. Preliminary plans for the back parking lot were displayed and discussed.

In New Business the semi-annual meeting was set for June 27, 2010 following worship, Consistory approved Aaron Volz to replace the church office computer, and in Wider Mission approval was given for $1,000 to OCWM, $500 to Eden Seminary Support, and $500 to the Houston Association.

Building requests were approved and a thank you from Slumber Falls Camp was read. Also, it was reported that the CROP Walk brought in $13,917 with a total of 164 walkers. Pastor Banda then closed the meeting in prayer. (Complete and officially approved minutes of this meeting will be available after the June Consistory meeting.)

BROTHERHOOD

Immanuel’s Brotherhood met on Thursday, May 20 th at the church. Softball/baseball playoffs and cruises to exotic destinations cut into our attendance. However, we’re planning on a good attendance at on our next meeting, which will be held on Thursday, June 17 at Schultzes’s Barbeque in Rosenberg. Since it is a dinner meeting, we will move our time up to 6:30 p.m. Come join us and bring a friend if you like!

IMMANUEL’S WOMEN’S GUILD

The Immanuel’s Women’s Guild met on Friday, May 21, 2010 with 14 members present, and one new member, Yvonne Huegel. Geraldine Winkelman gave the program opening with the hymns, “In The Garden” and “Amazing Grace”, followed by the reading of the third chapter of Titus. She talked about two books she had read, “One Simple Act” and “What’s So Amazing About God’s Grace”, ending her program with some humor.

President Richter called the meeting to order. Minutes were read and approved. Correspondence was read: A thank-you note and love gift of $20.00 from Ruby Poncik, a thank-you note and love gift of $20.00 from the Thomas Balcerowicz family. The treasurer’s report was given.

Old Business: Peggy Heidemann sent thanks for the prayers offered for her loved one. Alice Bergen offered her comment on Pastor Kuebler’s robe he wore for Della Beck’s funeral. It had JOY on it. He explained “J” stands for Jesus, “O” stands for Others, and “Y” stands for Yourself.

New Business: President Richter reminded us that next month will be “Stewardship” and Teresa Banda reminded us of the recognition of Graduates and their breakfast on May 23 rd.

An Anniversary hymn was sung for Erna and Clarence Thielemann and for the 64 th Anniversary of Eileen and Lawrence Aliminsky.

Prayer concerns were for Van Weidegardner, James Karnei, Carolyn Macik, Dave Miller, Alvin and Ruby Lee Oberhoff, Dorothy Beaver and Leda Oler.

The meeting was closed by joining of hands and singing, “Blessed Be The Tie That Binds” and praying the “Lord’s Prayer.

Refreshments were served by Teresa Banda and Hester Bain.

Youth Postings!
(4 th – 12 th)

June 2010

Summer is here!!! Be looking for information on upcoming Mission & More activities.

Music Camp 4 year olds to 12years

Music camp will be held June 7 th-11 th the theme this year is

“Treasure Hunting for Jesus”

VBS 4 year olds to 5 th grade:

Please join us for VBS July 12 th-16 th for High Seas fun and adventure!

VBS completed 6 th grade & up:

We could use some help with VBS this year. If you are interested in being a part of helping out by working in the rooms with younger kids, music, recreation, etc. please see me or Stacey Schodek to see where you fit in. We are especially in need of high school age youth (or older) to organize and execute the outside games/recreation time. If you or anyone you know is interested, please get with us as quickly as you can. Thanks so much!

Mission Trip:

We will be hosting a Spaghetti Luncheon Fundraiser to help with the cost of our Mission Trip. It will be held on Sunday, July 11 th immediately following worship. Keep watching for more information! Tickets will be ready by June 21st..

July 17 th – July 21 st, 2010. $125 is total deposit due for mission trip. (There will be a few more costs involved such as meals while traveling). This mission trip is for 8 th graders up unless a parent participates with a younger aged child. Our main fundraiser is the spaghetti dinner to be held directly after church on 7/11. Be ready to start selling those tickets Also in the works is a Fiesta dinner. More details will be out as soon as I get them.

Sunday School:

Now is the time to be considering where your gifts may lay for next year’s Sunday School lineup. Please know that you are vital and needed to keep our Sunday school going at the highest level. I promise you it is not necessary to be a bible scholar. The only requirements are a love of Christ, children and the dedication to fulfill the months you sign up for. (We always work with schedule conflicts).

High School:

The Lock-in was a big success. We had 15 kids and 5 were visitors!

Congratulations to the 2010 Graduating Class of Needville High School! Graduation Ceremonies will be held on Friday, June 4 th @ 8:00pm at Blue Jay Stadium.

See ya’ there!

Love, Shay-Shay

Questions or comments? shay@meyerranch.net or (832) 595-4028. Feedback always welcome. Thanks!

Alternate contacts: FaceBook: Shay Prestridge Meyer / Twitter: buttercupshay / (979) 793-7656 home

“TREASURE HUNTING FOR JESUS”

Join us for MUSIC CAMP this summer!

4 years thru 12 years

June 7 th-11 th

9:30am – 2:00pm

@ Immanuel Fellowship Hall

$35./for 1 st child….$25/for others in family

Program: Friday 11 th @ 6:30pm

Join us to praise the Lord in song, games, crafts, and a Friday night program. Campers will learn about Bible stories where people were searching for God’s presence. Bring a sack lunch each day and we will provide drinks and snacks.

For more information call the church office.

Carol Gerken and Debbie Mahlmann will be directors of the camp.

MISSION TRIP PLANNED FOR THIS SUMMER!

We have a group of church members and friends of the church who are really getting fired up and excited about a mission trip to Mexico this summer to build not just ONE, but TWO casitas. Each casita costs $3,000 to build, which includes lumber as well as a pre-poured foundation. All the labor will be furnished by our volunteers. At present we have enough money to build 1 casita. We will need another $3,000 in donations to build the other casita. We plan to have a couple of fundraisers to help with the mission trip. We are asking our church members to make special “over and above” contributions to help with this mission trip and the building of these casitas. If you would like to donate, please mark your donation either “Mission Trip” or “Casita”. Thank you very much for making this ministry of love and service a reality for those who feel they are called to serve “the least of these”.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

2010 GRADUATES

Ryan Evans

Allison Eversole

Kellen Miller

Dylan Novak

Jacob Richter

Carol Gerken

Erin Sebesta (Dec ’09)

Amy Gadway

Sarah Ann Tielke

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

1 Palmer Alderman

Theresa Legendre

2 Kaitlyn Eversole

Landon Zwahr

3 Cheri Oberhoff

4 Brittany Clack

5 Sarah Balcerowicz

Terry McGuire

6 Kristi Novosad

7 Dalton Novak

Michael Ramey

8 Shane Hedt

9 Phillip Worthington

Ryan Legendre

Walter Todd

10 Cole Todd

11 Tabatha Schroeder

Bernice Meyer

12 Carol Bishop

Linda Griffith

Stephanie Kramer

13 Cameron Alderman

John Eixmann

14 Erin Sebesta

Lainey Dostal

Lauren Schultz-Kappes

15 David Hawkins

Mindy Macik

16 Courtney Warncke

Jake Jordan

17 Jeffrey Weidemann

Marla Sebesta

Nancy Kuebler

18 Janice Nowak

Nedra Dostal

Pam Sullivan

Ronald Bayer

19 Lesli Oberrender

Mark Paweleck

20 Aaron Schmidt

Bubba Miller

Naomi Schuelke

Sandra Winkelman

Vicki Fuchs

21 Cariann Gutowsky

Hope Weidemann

Natalie Silhavy

Sally Favaloro

Winona Luedeke

22 AJ Dorr

24 Chase Michna

George Kuebler

Kasey Bishop

Katie McGuire

25 Makenzie Raesner

Taylor Wedegartner

26 Joyce Beene

Justin Nulisch

Leola Schmidt

Mackenzie Schnettler

Mary Band

28 David Miller

Harry Weidemann, Jr.

29 Genesis Mignery

30 Chayce Haas

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

1 John & Cindy Herrin

2 Bill & Shelly Sullivan

2 Brad & Stacey Schodek

3 Clyde & Peggy Raesner

4 George & Nancy Kuebler

7 Gene & Sharon Roberson

7 Raymond & Norma Freund

7 Brett & Christy Legendre

8 Howard & Linda Griffith

8 Lynn & Patsye Roesler

9 AJ & Sandra Dorr

9 Ludvik & Mildred Novak

9 Mike & Bobann Weatherly

10 Chase & Amanda Raska

10 Robert & Leslie Kolkmeier

11 Cody & Wendy Todd

15 Allen & Nancy Christ

17 Irvin & Bernice Meyer

18 Wilbur & Tonie Kramer

22 Rudy & Doris Paweleck

27 Clint & Danita Legendre

27 Roger & Renee Richter

28 Leonard & Beverly Altimore

29 Frank & Janice Pryor