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

Tissot, James, 1836-1902. Pharisees Question Jesus, from Art in the Christian Tradition , a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

In This Issue
Pastor's corner
Youth Sunday School
Adult Sunday School
Oktoberfest
Trunk or Treat
Thrivent member?
Congregational Meeting
Thank You
Poker for Peace
Bunko Babes
Quilting group
Book group
FBRR Golf Tournament
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

Vicar Stephanie Stark
Email: vicar
@stmartinslc.org

Church Musician
Jenny Salyers
Email: churchmusician
@stmartinslc.org

Choir Director
Renee Boutelle
Email: choirdirector
@stmartinslc.org

Staff Tech
Amber Nichols
Email: stafftech
@stmartinslc.org
September 11, 2019
Pastor's Corner
I was in Spanish class with Mario Munoz. It was junior year of high school. I was in the second row from
the back and the television was in the front left corner of the room. Some of the class cried. Some
prayed. A couple people made jokes, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what was playing out on the screen in front of us. The rest of the day, we watched the footage in each class. September 11, 2001 is a day that I'll never forget, and I imagine it's a safe bet that most of us can remember exactly where we were when we heard that terrible news.

This time every year, we see messages that say: "never forget." And remembering is important, even sacred work. But it matters what we remember. When our focus is on remembering the hurt, the fear, the anger, or the sorrow of that moment, it is possible to get lost in that wound all over again. Holding on to our pain perpetuates that pain. On the other hand, when we remember the courage and sacrifice of first responders, the generous outpouring of blood donors, and the unity and hope with which
diverse people came together in the aftermath, we remember what is best about human beings; we remember how to do life together. And when we remember our humanity, our compassion, and our unity, we must then honor these things by acting accordingly.

The Bible often calls us to remember and to act; the Israelites are commanded to provide for the needy among them out of the remembrance that they had been slaves and God set them free. Likewise, Jesus commands his disciples to remember him frequently through a sacrament involving bread and wine, body and blood, and out of that remembrance to love one another as he loves us. We remember what God has done for us, and because we have experienced this grace, we then act toward others out that same love.

Dear friends on this day of remembrance, may we never forget. May we never forget that our God brings beauty out of ashes and life out of death itself. May we never forget that our God is present with us in the midst of every trial and trouble and promises to never leave us or forsake us. May we never forget that in the shadow of that dark day 18 years ago, we found hope and humanity by coming together. And having remembered, may we let go of fear and go forth in love.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will

Youth Sunday School returns
It's that time again

Sunday School for all ages will be starting back on Sept. 15 after service. Mark your calendars and get ready for another season of learning! There is a elementary school age class, Confirmation class for middle schoolers, and a high school class. We hope to see you there!

Adult Sunday School returns
Continue your education

Adult Sunday School will be starting back on Sept. 15 after service. Mark your calendars and get ready for another season of learning! During this year's Adult Sunday School hour, we will be of exploring various Christian denominations looking at their traditions, structure, tenets and core beliefs.

Oktoberfest
Fall festival

St.  Martin's will be holding its annual Oktoberfest on
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.  There will be food, music, children's activities, trunk or treat, and a dessert and basket auction. Bring your family and friends to this event full of food and fun! 

If you have any interest in donating items for the silent auction please contact Jackie Carlisto at: beachdaze67@gmail.com

Trunk or Treat
Sign up for fun

St .  Martin's  will be holding its annual  trunk -or- treat  during Oktoberfest,  Oct. 26.  Sign up to decorate your trunk and pass out candy for the costumed kids who will be trick-or- treating  in the parking lot. A magnificent trophy and bragging rights for a year goes to the person or family with the best decorations. To sign up please contact Daniela Hammons at:  daniela.hammons@centerpointenergy.com .

Are you a Thrivent member?
St. Martin's Thrivent Members  are eligible to engage for Action Team dollars. Thrivent provides promotional resources and seed money to jump-start fundraisers (think support Mission work), educational events (think Luther Hill) or service project (think Grace Bags, Family Promise, Back To School Supplies or Oktoberfest).
We need to know who our Thrivent Members are because we have an opportunity to off set our expenses for Oktoberfest.  It is a quick and simple online application and we have a local representative who can guide you through the process.  Please let us know you are a Thrivent Member willing to make a difference:  Contact: officemanager@stmartinslc.org

Congregational Meeting
Please mark your calendar for a short congregational meeting on Sept. 15 after service. The meeting will be to vote on the petition submitted to Council for an amendment to remove the bylaw item C12.01.2 which reads: "No paid staff member or immediate family member of a paid staff member (related as spouse, partner, child, parent, sibling) will be eligible to serve on the Congregation Council." This is all we'll be doing at the meeting, so it'll be quick.  

Thank You
St. Martin's member Norma Becker recently dropped this poem off at the office to thank everyone involved at St. Martin's, big and small.

"Thanks for the cupcakes and for the pies,
Thanks for the hot foods 
and the supplies,
Thanks for the tables that were decorated and set.
Thanks for that typing, printing, cutting and sewing,
Thanks for all the coming and the going.
Thanks for the pennies, nickels and dimes,
And for the quarters, dollars, and all that chimes.
Thanks for the barbecuing , the juice and the ice,
It's people like you who make our church so nice.
Thanks for the phoning, 
the begging and pleading,
Thanks for the baking, the rolling and kneading.
Thanks for all types of donations, 
- large or small,
There's a place for each one as 
we can use them all.
Thanks for the library and the places to play,
Thanks for our Christmas trees 
and special music days.
Thanks for the quilt makers who send 
them to far distant places,
Thanks for those who fill up 
those empty pew spaces.
Thanks for the pill bottles, 
snap tops and the stamps,
Thanks for the organizing socials, 
youth fun, and camps,
Thanks for working with S.A.M. ministry 
and Family Promise,
Thanks for all those that continue 
to be so loyal and honest.
Thanks for the hammers, the nails and the tacks,
Thanks for the headaches and pains in the backs.
Thanks for standing, the waiting and the selling,
Thanks for the good times, 
the fun times and the yelling.
Thanks for mowing the yard, 
pulling the weeds and planting flowers,
Thanks for the hundreds and hundreds 
of those hours.
Thanks for the laughter, the joys, and the tears,
Thank you for helping for all these years.
Before church and after church, 
and all in-between,
St. Martin's friends are helping 
to make our church supreme.
Thanks to the council who steer 
the directions we take,
Thanks to our offering of prayers
for the decisions they make.
Thanks to the great office staff 
who do all they can,
Thanks to the supporting people, 
every woman and man.
Thanks to all the choirs and music leaders - wondrous talent we've found,
Thanks for giving us those listening 
enjoyment of sounds.
Thanks for the nursery  workers, 
who are always guiding,
Thanks to the custodians who 
keep our things shining.
Thanks to the Sunday school teachers 
who give us so much,
Of their love, knowledge, 
discipline and a kind parental touch.
Thanks to Pastor Will and our new Vicar 
who keep us all in line,
It's a pretty tough job, but they're doing mighty fine!
 
And now -
To all of St. Martin's members who are here in the ranks,
Offer a loving hug or a pat on the back
With just on word with a great big "THANKS!""

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 Sept. 27, at the home of Leon Miura.  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 Sept. 28 at the home of LaMona Weaver. For more information and to RSVP please contact Monika Miura at:  mmiura1@comcast.net

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:
Sept. 16 - 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 18 - 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 Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.



Book picks by the month:
Sept. - "Original Sin" by P.D. James

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

Nov. - "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure
 

Rainbow Room Golf Tournament
Support FBRR

On Monday, Sept. 23, Fort Bend Rainbow Room will be holding their 9th Annual Pot of Gold Classic golf tournament at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch (23030 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy). The tournament kicks off with registration at  noon, shotgun start at  1 p.m., and dinner and awards will follow at  6 p.m. Fort Bend Rainbow Room is an emergency resource center that helps abused and neglected children in our area. Proceeds from the golf tournament will fund this worthy cause. 

If you have any interest in participating, either as a sponsor or a golfer, take a look at their tournament packet and follow the instructions within.

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
How to Avoid Busting Your Budget:

"Unexpected expenses" might be one of the more ambiguous phrases in use today. It
can refer to anything from a major car repair to a job layoff or an accidental trip or slip
that requires you to be away from work for an extended period. But here's why you can't
necessarily call them unexpected: They can - and often do - happen to all of us at
some point.

And if you're not prepared for them, they can quickly derail your financial life.
So what can you do? Read on: https://bit.ly/2mb9BJj

Contact for St. Martin's Members and our friends is Suzanne Kocurek Office Phone:
713-974-2843 Cell: 281-923-7623 or email: suzanne.kocurek@thrivent.com

 
Stewardship Thought of the Week

 
"Our citizenship is in heaven."

 - Philippians 3:20
 
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
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
Gay A.                    Sept. 12
Emma L.                 Sept. 12
Rose L.                   Sept. 12
Rande G.                Sept. 12
Chris W.                 Sept. 14
Nathanial H.           Sept. 22
Don P.                    Sept. 25


Anniversaries
Scott & Mary S.            Sept. 16


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.
  

Sept. 12 - Thursday Women's Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 12 - Handbell Choir practice, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 - Boy Scouts Arrowhead, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
Sept. 15 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 15 - Congregational meeting, 11 a.m.
Sept. 15 - Saint Paul Worship, 11:15 a.m.
Sept. 16 - LWR Quilting Group, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 16 - Book discussion group, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 - Classical Conversations, 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 17 - Boy Scouts 148, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 - Classical Conversations, 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 18 - Wednesday Bible Study, 1 p.m.
Sept. 18 - LWR Quilting Group, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 - Thursday Women's Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 19 - Handbell Choir practice, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
Sept. 22 - Choir practice, 8 a.m.
Sept. 22 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 22 - Saint Paul Sunday Worship, 11:15 a.m.
Sept. 24 - Classical Conversations, 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 24 - Boy Scouts 148, 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 - Classical Conversations 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 25 - Wednesday Bible Study, 1 p.m.
Sept. 26 - Thursday Women's Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 26 - Handbell Choir practice, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 - Poker for Peace (off-site), 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 - Beth El Shalom worship, 8 a.m.
Sept. 28 - Bunko Babes (off-site), 11 a.m.
Sept. 29 - Choir practice, 8 a.m.
Sept. 29 - Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 29 - Saint Paul Sunday Worship, 11:15 a.m.
Sept. 29 - Rosh Ha-Shannah Worship, 5:30 p.m.