1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Volume 58 Number 10 * October 2014
The Messenger
Faith Lutheran Church * Fort Worth, TX
Fall has always been a busy time here at Faith Lutheran
Church. This year the Congregation Council decided we should try
to do fewer events and focus on doing them well, rather than
having so many items on the agenda. Even at that, it seems that
each Sunday is something other than “ordinary” time; there is something to
celebrate or remember in addition to our celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ which is the center of every Sunday worship service. Please take note of
the page here in the Messenger called, “Fall Specials.” It will help keep you
informed.
Sometimes things happen that don’t get communicated as early or well as
we would like. That’s the nature of communication, especially in groups; no
matter how hard we try to make sure everyone knows about everything they
would want to know about, there are always a few slips and skips. Our lives are
like that too, are they not? We start each day with the intention of living out our
baptismal life, our disciplelife for Jesus; but our days are filled with human slips
and skips, no matter how hard we try.
The time of a pastor is split between all the ministries of the church, and
seldom in an even, equal amount of time. As I told one member this week, “I
always do my calendar in pencil.” Some days are filled with administrative tasks,
some with outreach work, some with colleagues, some with continuing education
or study, some with teaching, some with worship or preaching preparation. This
week I have been involved with the pastoral care side of my job more than usual.
These moments I spend with persons or families, and in prayer about them, are
sacred moments for me. Whenever I am ministering in this way, I feel the
presence of Jesus’ Spirit there helping us all, bolstering our faith together, and
bringing grace and mercy to our world of slips and skips, tragedies, woes, and
joys. This week one commentary on Philippians that I read stated, “Only by the
Holy Spirit can the church experience the miraculous shift of attitude from
assuming that wherever the Lord is, there is no suffering, to believing that
wherever there is suffering, there the Lord is.” God cannot take away our
suffering – we are fragile, vulnerable human beings and in our lives there will be
suffering. But we are strengthened and upheld by knowing that the Lord is there
with us.
I hope that as we go through the fall “busy season” of our church year
together, you will participate in the special days and events that come along.
Consider how the events of church history that we recognize intersect with the
events in our world today of which we also take note. Remember that I am
available for your pastoral needs at any time; the best way to reach me is through
my cell phone. More importantly, remember that Jesus is with us always, to the
end of the ages.
Blessings,
Pastor Janet
Faith Lutheran Church
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am
Sunday School – 9:30 am (Sept-May)
STAFF
Pastor, Rev. Janet Kraatz………….249-1078
Church Secretary, Pat Charlton…...738-6222
Organist/Choir Director, Tom Sprinkle
[email protected]
[email protected]
CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS
President, Carol Cordell…………...551-1245
Vice President, Dan Hartzell..……..377-4125
Secretary, Lorella Miller…………..249-4824
Treasurer, Steve Miller……….……249-4824
Financial Sec’y, Dan Hartzell..…… 377-4125
.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
CONGREGATIONAL Board CHAIRPERSONS
Evangelism, Angie Trahan………...737-6851
Parish Education, Jenny Hubler…...217-7416
Property, Jim Cordell………….. …...551-1245
Stewardship, Sharon Vick…………320-4136
Worship & Music, S Woodworth….614-6714
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Standing Committees
Fellowship. Jeanne Lindsay……….217-7416
Social Ministry, Brenda McGuigan 560-9713
Youth, Jeff and Janet Smith……….294-7271
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Weekly Readings for OCT
October 7
Ezekiel 33:7–11
Psalm 119:33–40
Romans 13:8–14
Matthew 18:15–20
October 14
Genesis 50:15–21
Psalm 103:[1–7] 8–13
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35
October 21
Jonah 3:10—4:11
Psalm 145:1–8
Philippians 1:21–30
Matthew 20:1–16
October 28
Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
Psalm 25:1–9
Philippians 2:1–13
Matthew 21:23–32
These readings may be used for
family devotions.
Our Vision: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we share God’s grace
with all.
Our core values:
We follow the “Way”: Sowing the Word, Walking in Love,
and Growing in the Spirit.
We have an essential commitment to our church family:
to attend, to share worship.
When there is a problem, we don’t hide it or blame—
we work together to solve it.
We view others with eyes of grace—
Council Corner—Cell Tower Update
Verizon began leasing a portion of our property earlier this year, and has been
working on construction of a cell tower just off the southwest corner of the
building. It’s not complete yet! Periodically workers continue to come by adding
more wiring to the complex structure. The wall surrounding the tower matches
the stone work on our building’s exterior and we were given two large wooden
spools we can make into picnic tables. Still to come is the eight-foot cross on
the top; and we have requested painting of the tower itself to match the
building. We will also correct the lawn once we’re sure the trucks are finished
driving on it, and the weather is more conducive to growing grass. The rental
income has of course helped our operating budget, BUT! It does not mean we
are out of the woods financially or that members can back off on donations.
You may remember that for several years we have struggled to meet the
expenses of the church operations through donations. The cell tower lease
money, along with some royalties from the mineral lease, have been provided
this year as a way to maintain our ministries, albeit at a somewhat reduced
level. The council and committee heads, and other workers have become very
creative at using what we have to do what we need. We started the year
hopeful we would find some ways to bring in revenue aside from donations
from members and guests. God has again provided.
Please continue to lift up Faith Lutheran Church in your prayers. God has been
faithful to us and sustained us through difficult times. Now we give God all the
glory and praise, as we continue our work here in Fort Worth and the world,
and look forward to that day when we are able again to grow. Meanwhile, we
remain a little church, but still with a big heart full of hope and grace.
You can find the most recent council reports
on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
Please let us know if your email (or physical) address changes so you won’t miss a
month of receiving the Messenger. We also welcome you to submit family news or
special information you would like to share with FLC in the Messenger.
This ’n That
Note this Directory Update:
Reuben Bloedau
109 N. Melanie Drive
Azle, TX 76020
In our thoughts and prayers are:
Aaron Browder, Ken & Anne Crank, Jody
Gault, Earl Hosey, Melba Jackson, Les
Judd, Richard Koehn, Elaine Markert,
Vivian Nelson, Veda Radke, Bobbie
WILL YOU BE IN
Waggoner and Sarah Woodworth.
THE DRAWING?
Our Sympathy is
expressed to the family
of Helene Hubbard at her
death on Sept. 22. Her memorial
service is on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at
11:00 am, with viewing before and
reception following.
Our Sympathy is also
expressed to Faith Jenson and
family at the sudden death of her
son, Daniel Adam Nelson on
September 22.
May God’s love comfort these
families as they cope with the loss
of their loved ones.
The names of all who have their
photo taken on Oct. 1 & 2 for our
Pictorial Church Directory will be
entered in a drawing for a special
$100 gift certificate for Szechuan
Restaurant. It’s not too late to sign
up at church this Sunday, Sept. 28
or call the church office (817-7386222) today to schedule your
appointment. Leave a message if
needed and we will return your call.
Pets are welcome in your photo-just
complete a waiver.
We continue to collect bundled or
bagged newspapers on the fourth
Sunday of each month. They are
delivered to a local animal shelter,
“WEAR YOUR WORK CLOTHES
TO CHURCH SUNDAY”—NOV. 2
After worship we will prepare our
church for
the coming
busy time at
FLC!
LOOKING AHEAD
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
1: Directory Photo Sessions
2: Directory Photo Sessions
6: Blessing of Pets (via Photos)
19: Breast Cancer Awareness Sun.
26: Reformation Sunday
FALL SPECIALS AT
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Watch the calendar and bulletins for times and changes!
OCTOBER 1 & 2 – PHOTO DIRECTORY PICTURES
OCTOBER 5 – BLESSING OF PETS, BRING PHOTOS OF YOURS!
OCTOBER 19 - BREAD FOR THE WORLD SUNDAY;
“
“
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SUNDAY—WEAR PINK
OCOBER 31 - REFORMATION SUNDAY—WEAR RED
NOVEMBER 2 – ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, “GOOD GRIEF GROUP”
NOVEMBER 9 –
VETERANS DAY REMEMBRANCE
NOVEMBER 23 - CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY &
THANKSGIVING TURKEY POTLUCK
NOVEMBER 26 – FORT WORTH LUTHERAN THANKSGIVING
WORSHIP
DECEMBER 6 – PARENTS’ DAY OUT, GAMES & ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER 3-17 –
DECEMBER 21 –
ADVENT SOUP & SERVICE (weekly)
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
DECEMBER 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP 5P & 7P
ASSISTING
MINISTER
ALTAR
SERVER
Oct 5
Carol Cordell
Pauline
Vickers
Brandon
Harden
D Kennedy,
Karin Naron
Dan and
Melissa Hartzell
Oct 12
Carol Cordell
Pauline
Vickers
Delilah
Woodworth
Woodworth
Family
Oct 19
Carol Cordell
Pauline
Vickers
Alexys
Harden
Oct 26
Carol Cordell
Pauline
Vickers
Nov 2
Tom Sparks
Nov 9
2014
ACOLYTE
GREETERS
USHERS
LECTOR
OFFERING
COUNTERS
Sharon Vick
Carol Cordell,
Dan Hartzell
Teresa Mention, Jeanne
S Woodworth
Lindsay
Hannah
Hartzell
Brenda McGuigan,
Steve Miller
Brenda
McGuigan
Gene Suhr,
Don Trahan
Melissa
Hartzell
Sarah
Woodworth
Carol Kraatz,
Jack Walsh
Rivers
Hartzell
Teresa
Mention
Lizzy Brantley,
S Woodworth
Jack Walsh
Hannah
Hartzell
Carol Cordell,
Jeanne Lindsay
Gale
Walsh
Logan Smith
D Kennedy,
Karin Naron
Dan and
Melissa Hartzell
Teresa
Mention
Sharon Vick
Ken Eubanks,
Sarah Woodworth
Tom Sparks
Gale
Walsh
Lizzie
Brantley
Woodworth
Family
Teresa Mention, Gerald
S Woodworth
Liepert
Carol
Cordell
Dan Hartzell,
Brenda McGuigan
Nov 16
Tom Sparks
Gale
Walsh
Hannah
Hartzell
Brenda
McGuigan
Gene Suhr,
Don Trahan
Krystal
Edwards
Sarah
Woodworth
Carol Kraatz,
Jack Walsh
Nov 23
Tom Sparks
Gale
Walsh
Brandon
Harden
Teresa
Mention
Lizzy Brantley,
S Woodworth
Jeanne
Lindsay
Hannah
Hartzell
Carol Cordell,
Jeanne Lindsay
Nov 30
Tom Sparks
Gale
Delilah
Woodworth
D Kennedy,
Karin Naron
Dan and
Melissa Hartzell
Melissa
Hartzell
Sharon Vick
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
3
6
7
11
16
20
28
30
Marvel Brayton
Anne Crank, Mick Milhollin
Emily Miller
Rivers Hartzell,
Gene Suhr
Lucille Huckaby,
Kedron Woodworth
Kristi Benton
Delilah Woodworth
Teresa Mention
Krystal
Edwards
COMMUNION
ASSISTANT
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS for OCTOBER
5th
- open -
12th
- open -
19th
B Romanoff, B McGuigan
26th
- open -
ALTAR FLOWERS for OCTOBER
5th
LaVerne and Joe Turner
12th
Pastor Janet Kraatz
19th
Wilda Sommer
26th
Bee Romanoff
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
9
12
14
Joe & LaVerne Turner
Joe & Krystal Edwards
Dan & Melissa Hartzell
Please note that the birthday and anniversary
information comes from our membership files.
If your information is not listed, please contact
the church office. Thank you!
Faith Lutheran Church
4551 Southwest Blvd
(817) 738-6222 *
*
Ft. Worth, TX 76116
www.faithlutheranfw.com
OCTOBER 2014
Sunday
28
Newspaper Collection for Animal
Shelter
Monday
29
Tuesday
30
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
10:00 AM
Helene HubbardViewing
8:30 AM Choir Practice
9:30 AM Breakfast & Belief; Sunday
School
Friday
3
4
10:30 AM
Meals On
Wheels
10:00 AM
Budget
Committee
Meeting
10
11
11:00 AM
Memorial Service
with Reception
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM 12:00 PM following
7:00 PM Directory
Directory Photo
Photo
Sessions
Sessions
10:30 AM Holy Communion Worship
11:40 AM Fellowship
Saturday
6:30 PM Bible
Study
5
6
St. Francis of Assisi- Blessing of Pets
7
8
8:30 AM Choir Practice
9:30 AM Breakfast & Belief; Sunday
School
10:30 AM Holy Communion Worship
11:40 AM Fellowship
12:00 PM Good Grief! Group
12
Second Sunday of Sharing
8:30 AM Choir Practice
9:30 AM Breakfast & Belief
10:30 AM Praise Worship with Holy
Communion
11:40 AM Fellowship
12:00 PM Pizza Sunday School
19
Bread for the World Sunday
Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday
9
10:30 AM WestAid 10:30 AM
Board Meeting
Meals On
Wheels
1:00 PM
Shalom
Circle
16
17
18
10:30 AM
Meals On
Wheels
5:00 PM
Via de
Cristo
Gathering
24
25
10:00 AM Mary
Martha Circle
6:30 PM Bible
Study in Memorial
Library
13
14
15
6:30 PM Bible
Study in Memorial
Library
9:00 AM
PURLS
20
21
22
23
6:30 PM Bible
Study in Memorial
Library
8:30 AM Choir Practice
9:30 AM Breakfast & Belief; Sunday
School
10:30 AM
Meals On
Wheels
10:30 AM Holy Communion Worship
11:40 AM Fellowship
12:00 PM Council Meeting
26
REFORMATION SUNDAY
Newspaper Collection for Animal
Shelter
27
Bishop's
Convocation at
Briarwood
8:30 AM Choir Practice
9:30 AM Breakfast & Belief
10:30 AM Holy Communion Worship
11:40 AM Fellowship
9:00 AM
12:00 PM Sunday School
28
Bishop's
Convocation at
Briarwood
29
Bishop's
Convocation at
Briarwood
6:30 PM Bible
Study in Memorial
Library
30
31
10:30 AM
Meals On
Wheels
1
Contact us at 738-6222 or by Email at: [email protected] or
on the Internet at: www.faithlutheranfw.com. Let us hear from you!
Faith Lutheran Church
4551 Southwest Blvd.
F t. Worth, TX 76116-8799
DATED MATERIAL
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Inspired by the
Holy Spirit, we
share God’s
grace with all.
OCTOBER 2014
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Wear pink to show your support!
Then on
Reformation Sunday— October 26
Wear red and come celebrate our
Lutheran Heritage!