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FIRST FRUITS WE GIVE OUR FIRST FRUITS BECAUSE HE GAVE US HIS ONLY SON
March 2014 Volume 17 No. 3
First Fruits – March
Dear First Lutheran Church Family,
I am excited to begin serving as your Interim pastor at First Lutheran, El Campo. I look forward to
walking with you through this next part of your congregational life.
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us for everything there is a season, and these are exciting times! Times of new
beginnings and renewal abound! While our time together will consist of reflection, forward-looking, and
discerning what God is up to in your lives and ministry here, it will be done in the midst of great excitement
and optimism.
I am enjoying the daily progress of the interior work taking place in the sanctuary as the church receives a
facelift. I also enjoyed getting to know and beginning work with your newly elected congregational council.
And I have enjoyed beginning my visitation ministry and getting to know the members and the community.
I've enjoyed getting to meet the children, parents and staff of the preschool. I know the Lord has blessed the
beginnings of our work together.
As I write this letter, I look forward to attending your Annual Scandinavian Pancake Supper. Did you
know that the tradition of Pancake Day stems from the need to clear out the larder of eggs, butter and milk
before Lent – a time in which to examine our lives and experience a new springtime of hope? Hints of spring
are in the air, and we move closer to beginning our Lenten journey which leads toward complete renewal
found in Christ's Resurrection! I am excited about our celebration and worship of Easter together this year.
Faith Formation This is a never-ending process and we are to support one another in our ongoing study of God's Word and
in the reception of the Sacraments. I would like to hear your ideas for initiating Bible Study Groups here at
First Lutheran. Likewise, if you are, or know family members ready to prepare for First Communion, please
let me know. Those of you wishing to complete, or begin, Confirmation classes please phone for an
appointment so that we can make plans to begin.
A bit about me: Rodney and I have been married for 12 years. We have been blessed with 5 children, 4
grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. We enjoy serving God throughout our church and into the larger
community. We also enjoy maintaining a small cattle herd and a trio of hens.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio and Master’s
degree in Education from Texas State University (then Southwest Teas State, San Marcos). I spent 8 years
teaching in the Seguin ISD at the Juan Seguin Prekindergarten (now Ball Early Childhood Center) and then
part-time at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio College, Texas Lutheran University and The
University of Texas at San Antonio preparing teachers for the profession.
In answering God’s call to ministry, I began Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and will graduate this
December. I did my chaplaincy training at Baptist Health Systems, in San Antonio and at Guadalupe
Regional Medical Center Hospital and Hospice in Seguin. I have supplied at several small congregations
around South Texas including, Martin Luther, Coletoville, St. Peter's Lutheran, Prairie Valley, and Trinity
Lutheran, Luling.
So for now, I look forward to our visits together and to follow with you wherever the Spirit may lead. I
am anxious to hear your thoughts, prayers, wishes and dreams for this congregation as we begin our time
together.
Please plan to stop by and visit over a cup of coffee, or phone or email and I will plan a visit to your
home. Remember, I'm just a call, text, or email away! Presently, the best days to catch me in the office are
Tuesday through Thursday.
In the event of a pastoral emergency, please phone the number below. I look forward to meeting each of
you and getting to the work of serving God with you through the ministry here at First Lutheran, El Campo.
In Christ,
Donna Lou Zipp
Interim Pastor
(979) 332-2938
email: [email protected]
We welcome Pastor Donna Zipp and her husband, Rodney to our church family at First Lutheran! Pastor Zipp is serving as our Interim Pastor through April 30th.
First School
And Day Care News
We are beginning our Spring cookie dough
fundraiser and we are hoping for good sales!
Order forms are available in the church office
and are due by March 10th.
If anyone would like to donate, we are having
a food drive the week of March 17th – 21st.
We have five new teachers on our team:
Essie Richardson, Jennifer Miller, and Monica
Vasquez are in the nurseries; Lupe Olvera is in
the 4 year old afternoon class and Ashley
Herald is in the 3 year old afternoon class. We
have a couple spots open for infants, but they
are filling fast.
God Bless Everyone, Diane
. God Bless,
Diane
3/02 Psalm 2:6-13; Exodus 24:12, 15-18, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9
3/09 Psalm 130; Genesis 2:7-9,15-17,3:1-7, Romans 5:12, 17-19, Matthew 4:1-11
3/16 Psalm 105:4-11; Genesis 12:1-8, Romans 4:1-5,3-17 John 4:5-26
3/23 Psalm 142; Isaiah 42:14-21,Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41
3/30 Psalm 43; Hosea 5:15-6:2, Romans 8:1-10, Matthew 20:17-28
We welcome Pastor Donna Zipp and her husband, Rodney to our church family at First Lutheran! Pastor Zipp is serving as our Interim Pastor through April 30th.
Meridian - Henrietta Bram, room 402
WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US
OR
Office hours: Tues & Thurs: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Phone: 979-543-5847 Email: [email protected]
3/03 Elenora Hadash
3/16 Shirley Chatel
3/16 James Herrington
3/17 Elizabeth Flota
3/21 Mary Lou Thane
3/22 Kathee Labay
3/31 Vernell Bard
3/1 Elsie Overstreet
3/6 Jacqueline Lundy
3/6 Cathy Schoenfield
3/11 Bill Englund
3/17 Andrew Nelson
3/20 Elaine Wiggington
3/23 Sheila Miller
3/26 Nora Hollingsworth
3/26 Madie Mathews
3/09 Dorothy Atchetee & George Jalowy
3/09 Forrest & Norma Newton
3/18 Kirk & Nerrisa House
3/19 Saby & Lynette Hernandez
3/30 Doug & Cindy Mathews
COUNCIL MEETING Thursday, March 13
6:00 p.m.
Teddy Ash Shanelle Henson Lloyd Nelson
Dorothy Atchetee Nora Hollingsworth Forrest & Norma Newton
Evon & Linda Atchetee Robert Hollingsworth Odis & Lorraine Newton
Charles & Vernell Bard Jewel-Deen House Sharon Nielsen
Lorene Bard Cindy Howell Joe Novak
Lois Barosh Debbie Hubenak Elsie Overstreet
Donald Berglund Michael Hughes Debbie Reeves
Buck & Judy Bezdek George Jalowy Dave Schoelman
Diane Boyd Bonnie Jones Gloria Schoenfield
Kristine Mock Carroll Marie Kight Jaki Smith
Joan Carter Justin Lormand Ed Spradlin
Mary Carter Connie Martin Ann Strarup
Kate Eldridge Jack McDonald Esther Swamson
Bill Englund Mary & Frank Medina Andy Talbert
Eddie Graeter Joyce Mendez Mary Lou Thanet
Elnora Hadash David Moore Jeff Thigpen
Ashlyn Hanna George Morris J. P. Watson
Anitra Haynes Nancy Mozicek
Anitra Haynes
Pray for our
loved ones In the Military
Jake Barosh Justin Cerny
Sarah Langston Michael Monreal
Pastor Donna Zipp:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 979-332-2938
Our Sympathy
We extend our Christian sympathy to
the family of Lisa Ann Englund. Her
funeral was held at First Lutheran on
Wednesday, February 5th
.
Newly Elected Council Officers – 2014: President – Doug Mathews Vice-President/Property Chair – Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 9
th.
Don Al Middlebrook Set your clocks ahead one hour – ‘Spring Forward’.
Secretary – Daniel Wilfert
Treasurer – Billie Jean Bram Installation of Church Council members and Interim Pastor, Donna Zipp, will be on Sunday, March 9,2014.
WOMEN OF THE WORD
MEETING
Monday, March 10th
6 PM
WOW Food Drive
Sunday, March 2
Benevolence for Fourth Quarter, 2013 Blessing Cup $200. Murray Greenwood 100. Jesus Well 200. Kenya Project 200. Bridges International 100. Crisis Center 200. Alliance Defense Fund 148. LCMC Texas District 200. Victory in Jesus, Wharton 100. Salvation Army 200. The Chosen People 100. Manna Meals 100. Friends of the Americas 100. Friends of Madagascar 300. American Bible Society 200. Total $2448.
The Sundays March 9th and 23rd are open dates on the flower chart. Please let the church office
know if you can provide flowers for these dates.
Prayer Meetings
March 4th & 18th
6 PM
Everyone is invited!
A Prayer for Lent
Jesus, Son of God, the Church Year has turned to Lent, and our hearts are set with Yours toward Golgatha. For our sins which were the cause of Your torture and pain; for our misdeeds, which nailed You to the cross; for our wrongs, which caused Your death, we ask Your forgiveness. And as You have gone to be by Your Father’s side, draw us also there in eternal joy and rest. In Your name. Amen. ---Portals of Prayer (January-March, 2014) p.108
Lenten Worship Schedule
Ash Wednesday March 5th
Wednesday Services March 12th, 19th, 26th
Soup Supper will be served at 6 p.m. (Sandwich supper on Ash Wednesday)
Lenten Services will begin at 7 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
304 Oscar
El Campo, TX 77437
979-543-5847
Email: [email protected]
ESTABLISHED FEB 1893
Worshipping Christ and Sharing the Word for over a century.
Helen Marie Kight, Organist Christine Richter, Office Manager
Diane Garcia, Director of First School
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2 Sunday School
9:30 AM Worship Service w/Communion
10:45 AM WOW Food Drive
4 4 Prayer Meeting 6PM
5 Ash Wednesday Sandwich Supper
6PM Worship Service
7PM
6
7
1/8
9 Sunday School
9:30 AM Worship Service
10:45 AM Installation of Council members and Interim
Pastor
10 WOW Meeting 6PM
11 orn
-
12
Soup Supper
6PM
Worship Service
7PM
13 Church Council Meeting
6PM
14
15
16 Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service w/Communion 10:45 AM
17
18 Prayer Meeting 6PM
19 Soup Supper
6PM Worship Service
7PM
20
21
22
23 Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM
24 25 Newsletter Items Due
26 Soup Supper
6PM Worship Service
7PM
27 28
29
30 Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM
31
March Responsibilities
ASSISTING MINISTER: Jimmy Nielsen
SEXTON: Doug Mathews
USHERS: Doug Mathews, Jimmy Nielsen
ALTAR GUILD: Cindy Mathews, Helen Johnson
ACOLYTE READER
2nd
Ty Schoenfield Don Al Middlebrook 9
th Sawyer Schoenfield Jaki Smith
16th
Ty Schoenfield Ted Schoenfield 23
rd Sawyer Schoenfield Sheila Herrington
30th
Ty Schoenfield Cathy Schoenfield
If you are unable to serve on your date, please find someone to take your place.
March FLOWER
CALENDAR
March 2014
2nd
Elaine Wiggington
9th
Open
16th
Sarah Barosh & Jake Herrrington
23rd
Open
30th
Doug & Cindy Mathews
First Lutheran Church
304 Oscar
El Campo, TX 77437
979-543-5847
Email: [email protected]
ESTABLISHED FEB 1893
Worshipping Christ and Sharing the Word for over a century.
Donna Zipp, Interim Pastor Helen Marie Kight, Organist
Christine Richter, Office Manager Diane Garcia, Director of First School
Join us on FACEBOOK or check us out at
www.FIRSTLUTHERANEC.COM
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Calvin Borak, Billie Jean Bram, Nerissa House, Doug Mathews,
Don Al Middlebrook, Ted Schoenfield, & Daniel Wilfert.
Our Newsletter
can be found on
our website at www.firstlutheranec.com