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JANUARY 2012
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A message from John Howard, Church Council President
On Jan. 4, Bishop's Associate Mike Robinson met with the Call Committee and the Council's Executive Committee to discuss the next steps in the call process. The Call Committee has submitted to the Bishop our updated Ministry Site Profile and they expect to receive the names of several candidates shortly. During this interim, we will continue to be supported by our Interim Pastoral Associate, Jennifer Tiemann, and will rely on local pastors, including retired pastors in our congregation, to assist with worship. The preaching schedule for January is included in this newsletter, and will continue to be available in the newsletter each month during the interim period. Also, thank you to all who wished Pastor Olin and Carolyn a fond farewell and thanks for their ministry to St. Martin's this past year. The Council in November considered Pastor Olin's contract and decided not to renew it. The contract with Pastor Olin was for one year and could be extended only with the concurrence of the council, Pastor Olin and the Synod. We very much appreciated Pastor Olin's many strengths, but his relationships with several key committees, respected volunteers and leaders, and staff had become too unproductive. From my experience this year on the council, I see that we desire a pastor who can lead, guide and mentor us; foster our congregational and individual growth and development; and help heal and unite us in service to God, each other, and our community.
A message from The Rev. Olin Knudsen, former Interim Senior Pastor
With mixed emotions -- sadness about leaving the fine disciples of St. Martin's and excitement about where God will lead me to engage with a new Church in Transition -- I inform you, the members of St. Martin's Lutheran Council and Congregation, of my acceptance of the Council's decision not to renew my Letter of Agreement as Interim Senior Pastor effective Sunday January 1, 2012, with an effective date of dissolution of Interim Senior Pastor Agreement of February 16, 2012. The Interim Pastor enters a congregation with the intention of leaving when the transition time is complete (the acceptance of Call by the incoming Pastor). Contrary to all other wisdom, success in interim ministry depends on working oneself out of a job for the health of the relationship between the congregation and new Pastor. It is a unique form of servanthood, which must be embraced by the Interim Pastor and shared with all other parties. Thank you for this opportunity to work in Christ's vineyard with you.
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Join us for worship at St. Martin's
Join us for Sunday worship services at 8:45 and 11 am, or Saturday evening worship at 5 pm. Preaching on Sundays this month at St. Martin's: Jan. 8: Jennifer Tiemann, Interim Pastoral Associate; Jan. 15: The Rev. Dr. Hilmer Krause; Jan. 22: The Rev. Paul Collinson-Streng, Lutheran Campus Ministry; Jan. 29: Jennifer Tiemann, Interim Pastoral Associate.
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 Adult Class: "Biblical Storytelling"
Put new life into the way you engage the Bible as you join us for a new 6-week adult education series, "Biblical Storytelling," with St. Martin's member Anita Salmon. In this class, you'll be encouraged and equipped to learn Bible narratives by heart and share them through the ancient art of storytelling. This class will meet at 10 am on Sundays in the Parlor on Jan. 8, 15 & 29, and Feb. 5, 12 & 19. |
 Adult Class: "The Bible's Big Story"
St. Martin's kicks off a new Sunday morning adult class, "The Bible's Big Story," led by members Duane Nystrom and Charles Oertli. The class, which meets at 10 am in Rm. 124, will include an overview of Biblical history from Creation to Christ and explore major themes of the Scriptures. All are invited to attend these sessions, which will run though April 11. |
 Adult Class: "The Human Experience"
Join members Laura Raun and Earl Maxwell as they lead a new adult class that examines the spiritual journey, contemplative life and Christian leadership. We'll enjoy readings from Father Thomas Keating, Parker Palmer, Robert Greenleaf, Richard Rohr, Peter Senge and others as we delve deeply into "the human experience." Classes begin Jan. 8 at 10 am and will run each Sunday through Feb. 12 in Rm. 230. |
 Adult Class: "The Gospel of Luke"
St. Martin's Adult Foundations Class continues its exploration of The Gospel According to Luke. This Bible study is part of the ELCA's "Book of Faith" series. Join the group at 9:30 am on Sundays in the Chapel; all are invited to attend. For more information, contact Bess Sommer. |
 Jan. 8: Baptism Sunday
St. Martin's welcomes to the font at our 11 am service: Dylan Harris Dusza, child of Casey & Eric Dusza; Kate Ann Dyess, child of Martha & James Dyess; Martha Madeleine Hood, child of Alyce & Bryan Hood; Declan Paul Lavelle, child of Kari & Ned Lavelle; Jakob P. Sanchez, child of Karen & the late Robert Sanchez; Nash Oliver Ziemann, child of Brittany & Tim Ziemann. |
 Jan. 10: Saintly Seniors
St. Martin's Saintly Seniors will meet for its monthly luncheon and presentation on Tues. Jan. 10 at Noon in the Parlor. Our guest will be Daniel Hart (and his guide dog, "Jake"), who will speak on the topic of trust and guidance. For more information and to RSVP, contact Jo Ann Pitcher at 442-8184 or Nell Hielscher at 243-0467.
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Jan. 11: Choir & Ringers Resume
St. Martin's Choir and Ringers will gather for the first rehearsal of 2012 as the groups prepare to offer the gift of music during our community of faith's worship services. Wed. Jan 11: First rehearsal for St. Martin's Choir at 7 pm, followed by rehearsal for St. Martin's Ringers at 8:30 pm. Contact Thomas Pavlechko for more information about our Music Ministry.
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ALSO:
- Mon. Jan. 9: Prayer Group, 2 pm; Finance Committee, 5:30 pm; Facilities Committee, 6:30 pm; Companions in Christ, 7 pm
- Tues. Jan. 10: Mop & Hammer, 8:30 am; Elizabeth & Sarah Circles, 9:30 am; Worship Committee, 5:30 pm; School Board, 6 pm; Rebecca Circle, 7 pm
- Wed. Jan. 11: Joint Youth & Family/Child & Family Meeting, 6 pm; Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm; Ringers Rehearsal, 8:30 pm
- Thur. Jan. 12: Care & Share, 7 pm; Companions in Christ (Hope), 7:30 pm
- Sat. Jan. 14-15: Senior High Synod Gathering
For a complete list of our Calendar of Events at St. Martin's, please click here.
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 Jan. 15: Annual Meeting & Potluck
Our Annual Congregational Meeting is Jan. 15 at 1 pm, with a potluck lunch at noon. Music will be provided by Symphonic Winds. We will adopt the church's 2012 Budget, elect officers for the Church Council and Preschool Board, and vote on resolutions about our proposed vision statement, guiding principles and communications policies. Please bring a potluck dish to share!
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 Jan. 20-22: Conspirare Concerts
St. Martin's is proud to host Conspirare for four concert events. The group will perform the southwestern U.S. premiere of Joby Talbot's "Path of Miracles" on Fri. Jan. 20 & Sat. Jan. 21 at 8 pm, and Sun. Jan. 22 at 3 pm. On Sat. Jan. 21 at 5 pm, the group presents "Whitacre & Lewis: New Year's Special." For tickets, please click here or call 474-5664. |
Jan. 20-22: Women's Retreat
Join the Women of St. Martin's for our annual retreat to Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville. We'll have Bible study, a wine and cheese gathering, games, a craft led by the camp staff and much more. This is a special time for relaxation and fellowship as the women of our church grow in faith together. Cost is $125. To register and pay online now, click here.
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 Jan. 24: Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed
St. Martin's Stephen Ministry invites you to its continuing education classes. Join the group in the Parlor on Tues. Jan. 24 for "Experiencing Labyrinths" with Phyllis Carlisle. We'll have a labyrinth in the gymnasium for this event. Refreshments served at 6:45 pm; program begins at 7 pm. To learn more, contact Robert Friedrich, 512-665-1174; Nancy Mueller, 476-3357, or Leah Pasch, 444-7628. |
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ALSO:
- Sat. Jan. 14-15: Senior High Synod Gathering
- Sun. Jan. 15: Senior High Mobile Loaves & Fishes run, 11 am
- Mon. Jan. 16: MLK Holiday. Church Office closed.
- Wed. Jan. 18: MYC, 6 pm; Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm; Ringers Rehearsal, 8:30 pm
- Thur. Jan. 19: Companions in Christ (Hope), 7:30 pm
- Mon. Jan. 23: Prayer Group, 2 pm; Companions in Christ, 7 pm
- Tues. Jan. 24: Mop & Hammer, 8:30 am; Stephen Leaders Meeting, 5:45 pm; Stephen Ministry Meeting, 6:45 pm
- Wed. Jan. 25: Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm; Ringers Rehearsal, 8:30 pm
- Thurs. Jan. 26: Companions in Christ (Hope), 7:30 pm
- Mon. Jan. 30: Prayer Group, 2 pm; Companions in Christ, 7 pm
For a complete list of our Calendar of Events at St. Martin's, please click here.
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 Save April 3 for Bach's St. John Passion
St. Martin's hosts on Tues. April 3 a concert featuring a masterpiece of music: J.S. Bach's St. John Passion. This concert is a co-production of the Bach Society Houston, Festival de Musica Barroca de San Miguel de Allende, and Camerata Ventapane Festival Orchestra. Save the date for this special Holy Week event! For more information, contact Thomas Pavlechko, our Cantor & Composer in Residence. |
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