Serving God. Loving All. Changing Lives.
St. Martin's Lutheran Church Newsletter

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1606-1669. Good Samaritan, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

In This Issue
Pastor's corner
Mid-Year Meeting
Intern approved
Poker for Peace
Bunko Babes
Assistant schedules
Bunko Babes
Quilting group
Book group
Bible Study opportunities
Women's Bible study
Pastor community hours
Support Family Promise
Shop at Kroger, support St. Martin's
Shop at Randalls, support St. Martin's
Amazon smile
Listen to past sermons
Thrivent corner
Stewardship thought
Prayer list
Birthdays & anniversaries
Calendar
Quick Links

Email Us
Pastor Will
Email: pastor
@stmartinslc.org

Office Manager
Parker Grimsby
Email: officemanager
@stmartinslc.org

Council President
Glenda Wilder
Email: council
@stmartinslc.org

Church Musician
Jenny Salyers
Email: churchmusician
@stmartinslc.org

Staff Tech
Amber Nichols
Email: stafftech
@stmartinslc.org
July 10, 2019
Pastor's Corner
This Sunday, we'll hear the story of the Good Samaritan as our Gospel lesson. It's a well-known story,
and the possibilities for preaching are nearly endless. But the whole scene begins with a fairly unassuming question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" The lawyer who asks this question asserts
(correctly, according to Jesus) that the central tenets of the Law are to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as themselves. Jesus says to do this, and the man will live. But there's something about that answer that I wrestle with.

It's the word "inherit." Because, at least in my experience of inheritance, you don't actually have to do anything. Rather, for me to inherit something, the person who possesses it and has promised it to me has to die. Now, I've heard some interesting stories about eccentric millionaires or spiteful family members including some kind of task that has to be performed before their loved ones can claim the
inheritance, but by and large, it's just received as a gift.

Time and again in scripture, God promises to give us life, eternal and abundant. All that is required for us to inherit this gift of life is that the one who promised dies. At the cross, Jesus, who was God in the flesh, died for our sins so that we might live; so that we might inherit the precious gift of life. And having given his life for us, Jesus rose from the dead to live again, in assurance that the gift we have received is truly
what was promised: life, eternal and abundant.

As heirs of this promise, Beloved, we don't have to do anything to earn or inherit eternal life; it is given freely by the One who died for us and lives for us. We have seen the greatest act of mercy, of grace, of love, performed on our behalf. But God does not intend for us to keep the gift to ourselves. As Jesus sent the lawyer, so he sends us: "Go and do likewise." May your life be an act of mercy for those in need, an act of grace for those who don't deserve it, and an act of love for all you encounter.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will

Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
In our efforts to keep the communication channels open, the Council is inviting you to a mid-year Congregational meeting on Sunday, July 14 . Please note that this does not take the place of our annual meeting in January. The session will take place immediately following fellowship time and will be held in the adult Sunday School classroom. We hope to see you there!

Intern approved
On the way

On Sunday May 19 the people of  St .  Martin's  voted an overwhelming "yes" to accepting seminary intern, Stephanie Stark in September . These are exciting times for our  church ! As this is an ongoing process we will keep you up to date throughout the summer as we figure out the specifics of Stephanie's role at  St .  Martin's . If you would like to designate your offering to contribute to the hosting of Stephanie Stark  please make a note on your check or offering envelope to indicate the designation to "INTERN." 

Poker for Peace
Cards for fellowship

All men of the church are invited to join "Poker for Peace." This group normally meets at the house of one of their members the last Friday of the month for fellowship and cards. Their next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on July 26, at the house of Chuck Staskus.  For more information please contact Leon Miura at:  lgmiura@comcast.net  

Bunko Babes
Brunch & Bunko

All ladies of the church are welcome to join "Bunko Babes." This group usually meets at the house of one of their members the last Saturday of each month to share brunch and have a little fun. Their next meeting will be at 11 a.m. on July 27 at the home of Norma Becker. For more information and to RSVP please contact Monika Miura at:  mmiura1@comcast.net

Worship Assistant schedules
A new worship assistant schedule was recently released for the third quarter of 2019. You can download it here. It can also be found on the website here. Thank you all for serving, we appreciate it! If you have any desire to join the worship assistants please let us know at:

Ongoing projects
Many ways to serve

Along with our Grace Bags project we have a few other ongoing service projects you may not know about. Our members collect pill bottles, stamps, and can tops for various projects. There are drawer boxes to drop these off in the front of the library at any time. For more information on these collection projects you can contact Denise Cope at: gaycope@yahoo.com. 

Quilting group 
The  St.  Martin's Lutheran World Relief quilting group is a great opportunity to support a great cause. The group produces quilts and blankets that are shipped around the world to help those in need through the Lutheran World Relief project. Novices are welcome! Quilting groups meet the first and third full weeks of the month on Monday mornings and Wednesday evenings to work on the quilts. If you have any questions please contact Jean Short at: jean12short@comcast.net . 

Next meeting times:
July 15 - 9:30 a.m.
July 17 - 7 p.m.

Book club
magic_ribbons_book.jpg
Join the St. Martin's book club to discuss a new book each month. They meet on the third Monday evening of each month to discuss that month's pick. Next meeting will be July 15 at 7 p.m.

Book picks by the month:
July - "The Rooster Bar" by John Grisham

Aug. - "Call the Midwife" by Jennifer Worth

Sept. - "Original Sin" by P.D. James

Oct. - "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles

Nov. - "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure
 

Bible Study opportunities
Come and learn

Pastor Will facilitates a few Bible Studies throughout the week.  Wednesdays at 1 p.m. come for an hour of text study as we examine the readings for the coming Sunday. 


Thursday Ladies' Bible Study

This is a group of ladies who meet every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. to have lively discussions and enjoy learning together. They always welcome new members and visitors. It is a great way to make friends and there's always tasty refreshments. If you have any questions call Jill Keller at: 713.557.0893.

 
Pastor community hours
Meet outside of church

Every Friday Pastor Will holds office hours out in the community. Follow St. Martin's Facebook page to see where he'll be each Friday: here. Come out to talk or pray with Pastor Will and let God hold your worries for a while. 


Support Family Promise
Donate for Family Promise

Do you enjoy a hot cup of coffee before starting your day? For as little as $3.50 a week, the price of hot beverage in the morning, you can join the Fort Bend Family Promise Coffee Club and be part of the caring community of people who are helping get homeless children and their families back to self-sufficiency.  You can join the club and support Family Promise at this link:  https://bit.ly/2JCo5sf

Shop at Kroger & support St. Martin's
If you shop at Kroger, you could help support St.Martin's financially. St. Martin's has enrolled in Kroger's Community Rewards Program and will receive a portion of all of your Kroger transaction if you sign up through their website.

1) First, you get a Kroger card. They are free and can be obtained at any Kroger location.  Sign up for a digital account on www. kroger.com.
2) Go to your account summary on the website and scroll down to "Community Rewards" and select "Enroll Now" (or the "Edit" option if you've already enrolled with another organization).
3) Fill out the information, then you will be prompted to search for an organization. Search for "St. Martin's" and it should appear. Click "Enroll". From now on when you shop with your member card at Kroger you will be supporting St. Martin's.

Thank you for your support! 
 
Shop at Randalls 
& support St. Martin's
If you shop at Randalls, you could help support St. Martin's financially. St. Martin's is enrolled in Randalls' Good Neighbor program and will receive a portion of all of your Randalls' transactions if you sign up. 

1) First, you need a Randalls card. You can sign up for these in any Randalls store.
2) Pick up a Randalls Good Neighbor form on the info table in the Narthex.
3) We have already filled out St. Martin's charity account number on the form, so you just have to fill in your personal information. Then, hand it in at any Randalls store and you will be part of the program.

Thank you for your support! 
 
Support St. Martin's when you shop
If you purchase goods through Amazon.com, there's an easy way to donate to St. Martin's at the same time. Simply go to smile.amazon.com and choose St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Sugar Land, as your charity of choice. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase directly to St. Martin's. It's so easy! 

 
Listen to past sermons
Did you  k now you can listen t o Pastor Will's previous sermons online? If you ever miss a Sunday or want to re-listen to a particular message you can find the last few week's worth of sermons on our SoundCloud account here . The account is typically updated every Thursday with the previous Sunday's message.

 
Thrivent corner
Did you Know? More than 45,000 Christians across the nation have the tools to save more, spend less and give abundantly thanks to Thrivent Federal Credit Union (TFCU). With competitive rates, personalized service and biblical guidance, you can feel the power of contentment.

WHY A CREDIT UNION: Empowering customers, not enriching investors. Credit Unions are dedicated to the things that really matter to you. Opening a checking, savings or other account makes you a member. And that entitles you to receive a share of any surplus income as an annual dividend-money that banks pay to their outside stockholders.
 Because credit unions aren't obliged to make a profit for stockholders, they can afford to reduce or eliminate many fees. And they can offer better rates on savings and more attractive terms on loans. Of course, most* accounts are federally insured up to $250,000. 

Credit unions that are connected by CO-OP are linked with other credit unions nationwide. By joining Thrivent FCU, you can use nearly 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs. You also can visit more than 5,000 CO-OP Shared Branch credit union locations to make in-person transactions, just like at your home branch or bank. There are local branches here in Sugar Land and Richmond. You can read more here: Thrivent Federal Credit Union or contact our local representative: Suzanne Kocurek Office Phone: 713-974-2843 Cell: 281-923-7623 or email:  suzanne.kocurek@thrivent.com
 
Stewardship Thought of the Week

 
"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."

 - Luke 6:24
 
People Need Your Prayers
Ephesians 6:18 
"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
 
Please keep the 
following people in prayer: 

Norma Becker
Michael Hoaks
Annamarie DeYoung
Al Warner
Alice Griffin
Pat Strom
Jeff Wilson
David Speer
Tom Janson
Kim Kenimer
Cle Edwards
Arlene Peters
Barbara Jacobs
Gene Farris
Mitzi Thornton
James Langford
John Beury
Sean O'Sullivan
Victims & families of violence in our nation and the terrorist activity throughout the world.
Our sister synods in Peru and 
the Central African Republic
 
For prayers contact: officemanager@stmartinslc.org .  For privacy's sake we do not list specific concerns.  
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Let's celebrate!
 
Birthdays
Jason M.                    July 10
Jim B.                        July 11
Ryan G.                     July 14
Cooper S.                  July 14
Jim W.                       July 19
Glenda M.                  July 21
Charlotte G.               July 23
Scott S.                     July 23
Jill K.                         July 24
 
Anniversaries
Clint & Wendy A.               July 14
Florida & Parlee (+ ) K.       July 19
Jason & Scheffie L.            July 20
Dawn & Roy W.                 July 22


St. Martin's Calendar
What's happening at SMELC?
 
Want to know what's happening at St. Martin's? View the church calendar on our website. Click the Google calendar link and find out the who, what, when and where of any St. Martin's event.
  

July 11 - Thursday Ladies' Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
July 11 - Houston Area Parkinson's Tai Chi, 10 a.m.
July 11 - Beth El Shalom band practice, 6:30 p.m.
July 11 - Boy Scouts Arrowhead, 7 p.m.
July 13 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
July 14 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
July 14 - Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, 
              10:45 a.m.
July 14 - Saint Paul Sunday worship, 11:15 a.m.
July 15 - LWR quilting group, 9:30 a.m.
July 15 - Book club, 7 p.m.
July 16 - Boy Scouts 148, 6 p.m.
July 17 - Wednesday Bible Study, 1 p.m.
July 17 - LWR quilting group, 7 p.m.
July 18 - Thursday Ladies' Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
July 18 - Houston Area Parkinson's Tai Chi, 10 a.m.
July 18 - Beth El Shalom band practice, 6:30 p.m.
July 20 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
July 21 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
July 21 - Saint Paul Sunday Worship, 11:15 a.m.
July 23 - Boy Scouts 148, 6 p.m.
July 24 - Wednesday Bible Study, 1 p.m.
July 25 - Thursday Ladies' Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
July 25 - Houston Area Parkinson's Tai Chi, 10 a.m.
July 25 - Beth El Shalom band practice, 6:30 p.m.
July 26 - Poker for Peace (off-site), 7 p.m.
July 27 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
July 27 - Bunko Babes (off-site), 11 a.m.
July 28 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
July 28 - Saint Paul Sunday worship, 11:15 a.m.