News & info for the family of St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill

St. John Journal

A loving and welcoming family of faith, excited about what God has done (and continues to do!) for us

Volume 13, Number 2

February 2020

St John Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of

God and knows God. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. --1 John 4:7, 18, 21

What a joy it is to write to you, the people of St. John, for the first time in a monthly newsletter! These past few weeks have been incredible as you have welcomed us into your community with open arms and hearts. Grace and I are truly thankful for the love and welcome you have showed to us and we are excited about where God will lead all of us, together, next.

As is my custom, I’d like to introduce myself again, in the hopes that you will continue to do the same! My name is Shea Berbaum and I am your new pastor! Hooray! My wife Grace and our son Axel moved to Brenham on January 30th. We are both from North Carolina. We met as camp counselors at Agape+Kure Beach Ministries, a Lutheran summer camp, in the summer of 2011. We both graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University, me with a degree in Religious Studies in 2013, and Grace with a degree in education in 2015. We were married in October of 2015, my first year of Seminary.

Grace and I have two dogs, Leila and Finley. We enjoy board games, art, houseplants, books, and movies and television of all kinds. Grace loves Tex Mex while I prefer more traditional Mexican food. We are both very allergic to nuts. I play bass guitar and Grace likes to box. We both enjoy painting and other craft projects.

This month our household will once again celebrate the High Holiday of ValenBirthday Week-end (Valentines on the 14th and Grace’s birthday on the 16th). As I looked over past February newsletter articles from the pastor, I noticed that the pastors have often written about Valentine’s Day and love for their February address. Since this has been the theme for at least the past two years, I thought I would focus on something often overlooked in our context.

February is Black History Month in the United States, and so I thought it might be interesting to explore the ways that Black history and Lutheran history intersect. One such intersection is found in the story of Rosa Young.

Ms. Young was born at Rosebud, Wilcox Co. Alabama in 1890 to Grant Young, an AME Minis-ter, and Nancy Young his wife. Rosa always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and in 1912 she founded a school in her hometown to serve the black community there. The school was success-ful for 2 years until the boll weevil moved to Alabama. Boll weevils eat cotton plants, the number one source of income for rural farmers in the south. Everyone suffered, and the families whose children attended the school couldn’t pay anymore. This meant that the teachers wouldn’t be paid, and so they all had to leave to find work elsewhere.

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By the Fall of 1915, Rosa was all alone at Rosebud, and things looked dire. As a last-ditch effort, she wrote to Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute. He recommended that she write to the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America because of their success at Immanuel College, a Lutheran school in Greensboro, NC, which had been successfully training black men for the ministry for years.

Because of God’s providence and Rosa’s prayers and persistence, her school was taken on by the Synodical Conference at a special Mission Board meeting, January 3, 1916. On January 13, Pastor Bakke arrived in Rosebud to begin the most successful mission work that the Synodical Confer-ence, or any Lutheran Church, had ever seen.

Within the first week, a Sunday-school was opened for baptism and confirmation classes. On Palm Sunday that same year, Rosa Young was confirmed along with 70 others. 58 were baptized. Easter saw more baptisms and Christ Congregation was organized, “the mother church in Ala-bama.” Over the next few months, usually because someone would come and visit Christ Con-gregation, or the Rosebud school, and would ask for a mission to begin in their town, many new congregations were built.

Working in mission with the Lutherans was not easy on Rosa Young. She wrote in her autobiog-raphy, “The very day on which I severed my relations with the African Methodist Church and joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church, was the day on which the devil turned the scales of the people against me.” Rosa was slandered, called possessed, called a slave to the white men from the North, she was denied food and shelter by neighbors and former friends while traveling from mission to mission. She was often hungry, cold, and without a home. During the first World War, her church was accused of being a “German Church” and she was threatened. It took the intercession of many of her white friends in the community to calm the tensions, but only after Rosa walked to the authorities with her Lutheran books and the letter from Booker T. Washing-ton to prove that the Lutheran missionaries were no spies or intruders.

Because of Rosa’s hard work “the Alabama field grew so rapidly that it was not possible to staff the growing number of day schools with pastors and teachers trained at Immanuel and Luther Colleges.” In November 1922, Alabama Lutheran College, the first Lutheran institution of higher education to be staffed solely by African Americans, was established in Selma, with the purpose of training young women to teach in the day schools and, if there was room, to train men for the ministry. This university, renamed Concordia College Alabama, is still in operation today and is the only historically black college in the Concordia University System.

An important fact to remember as we celebrate Black History Month is that black Lutheranism has never been the product of white benevolence. It is the product of black initiative. Those who deserve our pride and admiration are the people of color who came to our leaders and congrega-tions and demanded that we see them as sisters and brothers and join with them in God’s mis-sion for the sake of Jesus Christ. --Pastor Shea Berbaum

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READINGS FOR FEBRUARY

FIRST READING RESPONSIVE SECOND READING GOSPEL FEBRUARY

2 Epiphany 4

MICAH 6:1-8

PSALM 15

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31

MATTHEW 5:1-12

9 Epiphany 5

ISAIAH 58:1-12

PSALM 112:1-10

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-16

MATTHEW 5:13-20

16 Epiphany 6

DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20

PSALM 119:1-8

1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-9

MATTHEW 5:21-37

23 Transfiguration of Our Lord

EXODUS 24:12-18

PSALM 2

2 PETER 1:16-21

MATTHEW 17:1-9

Feb. Acolyte(10:05AM) Layreader Flowers Given By

2 Owen Finke

Hunter Myers Sandra Tillman Sandy Ordner

Don & Regina Holtkamp

9 Robert Spinn

Adilynn Lange Glenda Stegent

Delores Gaskamp Trey & Cathy

Boeker

16 Kinley Antkowiak

Corbin Janner Clay Boeker Kallie Finke

David & Betty Feldmann

23 Morgan Westerfeld Swayzee Huckert

Taylor Klatte Jennifer Anderson

Fred & Debra Westerfeld

REACHING YOUR CHURCH OFFICE

Rev. Shea Berbaum prairiehillpastor@gmail.com 336-633-9770 (cell phone)

Johanna Becker secretary@stjohnprairiehill.org 979-836-8666 (church office)

Office hours: Monday-Wednesday 8-4pm Website: www.stjohnprairiehill.org

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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS First and foremost I would like to apologize to Graig Harrison. Graig was un-intentionally left off the Christmas program thank- yous in the January newsletter, but without him we would not have been able to hear the kids. So Graig, thank you for donating your time, your sound equipment and your talents to the children of St. John! We appreciate all of your help.

Sunday School classes started January 12 with the kids learning all about the Lord's Prayer. We have been working to memorize it, and learning the meaning behind each portion of the prayer. Thank you to all of the teachers who have volunteered their time & energy to help with our Sunday School program! Brooke Huckert has taken over as assistant superintendent and is doing a wonderful job with the openings each Sunday. Her positive energy and pas-sion for teaching kids about Jesus is heart warming, and we are blessed to have her on board.

We welcome all children to join us each Sunday at 9 as we learn more about God's love through interactive stations. Our program is growing and we would love for you to be part of it! If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents please feel free to contact me at 979-530-8556; there are many ways you can help. Heather Myers

Sunday School Superintendent

A new keypad and knob have been installed on the Annex door. If you need access to the church outside of office hours and

would like the new code please call the church office.

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February 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Treehouse Gala

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion 3:00PM Installation of Rev. Shea Berbaum & Reception

3 6:00PM Executive

Committee Meeting

4 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

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1:30PM Senior Party

6:00PM Confirmation

6 Office Closed 10AM Naomi Circle

7 Office Closed

8 Men’s Breakfast

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

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6:00PM Council Meeting

11 FOOD PANTRY

9:30AM “Weekly Word”

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6:00PM Confirmation

13 Office Closed

2PM Ladies Aid

14 Office Closed 15

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

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NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

18 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

19

6:00PM Confirmation

20 Office Closed

21 Office Closed 22

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

24 25 FOOD PANTRY

9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

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Ash Wednesday 7:00AM Service 7:00PM Service

27 Office Closed 28 Office Closed 29

Flower Chart The 2020 Flower Chart has been posted in the Annex.

Please sign-up if you would like to put flowers in church!

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COMMUNION BREAD Becky Schulze

SCREEN

Anna Finke

ALTAR PREPARATION

Connie Rohde Janet Wehring

FAMILY AID

Carolyn Kessel

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

Deanna Giese Patty Schroeder

SANCTUARY PREP

Dale Reisner Mary Roese

CHURCH TELLERS

Gayle Bednar Cookie Engeling

USHERS

Johnny Randermann Family,

Huckert Family

Special Envelope:

Lutheran Campus Ministry

February 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Treehouse Gala

2

8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion 3:00PM Installation of Rev. Shea Berbaum & Reception

3 6:00PM Executive

Committee Meeting

4 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

5

1:30PM Senior Party

6:00PM Confirmation

6 Office Closed 10AM Naomi Circle

7 Office Closed

8 Men’s Breakfast

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

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6:00PM Council Meeting

11 FOOD PANTRY

9:30AM “Weekly Word”

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6:00PM Confirmation

13 Office Closed

2PM Ladies Aid

14 Office Closed 15

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

17

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

18 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

19

6:00PM Confirmation

20 Office Closed

21 Office Closed 22

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8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

24 25 FOOD PANTRY

9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

26

Ash Wednesday 7:00AM Service 7:00PM Service

27 Office Closed 28 Office Closed 29

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Rev. Shea Berbaum will be installed

on Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00PM

Reception to follow at the parsonage

Please come & join the celebration!

Wedding Anniversaries

Baptismal Anniversaries

2/01/1976 Karen Spinn 2/02/1975 Amber Westerfeld 2/05/1961 Gerald Wehring 2/05/1984 Leigh Cavner 2/06/1944 Deanna Giese 2/07/1937 Marjorie Hohlt 2/07/2016 Canaan Wilkerson 2/08/1942 Dorothy Haevischer 2/09/1975 Trey Boeker 2/09/2014 Kayden Patterson 2/10/1944 Al Steinbach 2/10/2002 Wesley Neuendorff 2/11/1968 Steve Skrla 2/14/1993 Jordan Kaminski 2/15/1986 Jessica Wehring

2/15/2004 George Boswell 2/16/1964 Damon Wegner 2/17/2013 Brandon Estes 2/18/1940 Donna Bentke 2/18/1996 Kallie Finke 2/19/1989 Valerie Garner 2/19/2006 Colin Hagerman 2/20/1983 Jennifer Schroeder 2/21/1937 Franklin Haarmeyer 2/22/2003 Riley Moehlmann 2/24/1935 Arlie Parker 2/26/1933 Earline Moody 2/26/1995 Falyn Knebel 2/28/1971 Joel Wellmann

2/04/1961 Marvin & Dorothy Haevischer 2/04/2017 Brandon & Kaley Bednar 2/05/1967 Ben & Carolyn Kessel 2/05/2005 Kim & Bruce Weilbacher 2/12/2000 Trey & Cathy Boeker 2/12/1994 Gail & Shannon Mitschke

2/20/1955 Wilber & Marjorie Hohlt 2/20/1982 David & Betty Feldmann 2/24/1973 Fred & Debra Westerfeld 2/26/1976 Donald & Carolyn Lange 2/26/1983 Don & Regina Holtkamp

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WELCA BIBLE STUDY MEETING DATES

Thursday, February 6 Naomi Circle 10:00 am, Activity Center Thursday, February 13 Ladies Aid 2:00 pm, Activity Center

Bible Study for the Women of St. John Join them on the first and third Mondays of the

month, from 6:30 to 8:00pm in the Activity Center. They are studying the Ten Commandments.

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, February 8th We would like to invite all men of St John to join us on the 2nd

Saturday of the month for breakfast starting at 7:00am. With a short meeting following.

Prairie Hill Food Pantry Upcoming Dates: February 11 & 25 7-8:30AM

February Quilting Schedule We will meet on February 18 and 25.

Dorothy Haevischer will be the host. We meet at 9AM to noon. Come join us for quilting, sewing and tying LWR quilts.

Senior Party Wednesday, February 5th

The seniors will be gathering in the Activity Center the first Wednesday of every month at 1:30PM-5:30PM. Join them for

games, fellowship, and light refreshments provided by the host!

Treehouse Ministry: The 6th Annual Century Supper Gala on Saturday, February 1st at the College Station Hilton

Aggie-tizers • Live & Silent Auctions • Black Tie Optional

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Council Highlights The Church Council of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church met for its monthly meeting on January 13, 2020,

at 6:00 pm in the Church annex. Council President, Charles Gaskamp, called the meeting to order. Pastor

Shea Berbaum opened the meeting with prayer. All members were present except Brandy Moehlmann.

MSC to approve the December minutes.

Old Business

Discussed parish hall window progress

Discussed parsonage repair/remodel progress

New Business

MSC approved dates for council retreat (1-18-2020) and appreciation dinner (2-6-2020).

MSC to approve council installation on January 19, 2020 at both services.

MSC to approve Pastor Shea’s Installation tentatively set for February 2, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

MSC to approve sending $40 monthly to Jan Foltermann for hygiene needs.

MSC to approve Call committee becoming Pastoral Care Committee.

MSC to approve replacing toilets in women’s restroom, new annex. All toilets were donated.

MSC to approve locking all doors (except Sanctuary) during Sunday morning services.

Committee Reports: Treasurer Report: Report as submitted.

Financial Secretary Report: Report as submitted.

Community Concerns Report: Food Pantry served 44 families and 118 people in December.

Property Report:

Need to repair gate at parsonage and rotten wood around sanctuary windows.

Pastor’s Report:

Busy the first weeks attending meetings at the church, leading confirmation and getting to know everyone.

MSC to accept all reports as given.

MSC to adjourn.

President ................................ Charles Gaskamp

Vice-President............................ Jon Westerfeld

Treasurer ................................... Betty Feldmann

Secretary .................................... Christin Seeker

Community Concerns ................... Cathie Klatte

Evangelism .................................Rachel Church

Financial Secretary ...................... Cathy Boeker

Parish Ed ................................. Kelly Antkowiak

Property .............................. Grayson Marburger

Worship & Music .............. Brandy Moehlmann

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Grammy's Cookie Convoy

An organization started by a dear friend of mine several years ago. They send big Chocolate

Chip Cookies to the Military all over the world. It has grown so much that I recommended

their organization to Mike Rowe's "Returning the Favor Effects" which just started up this

past year as a spin off of more people who do good things for others all the time but don't get

recognized for their good deeds. My recommendation was approved and I decided to go be-

yond that and get our church involved. We don't have to bake cookies, they do all of that. But

we can write notes to all these men and women who are defending our country and our flag

and our freedom. Grammy's Cookie Convoy has started sending notes of appreciation to these

military personal and the response from them has been amazing. Whole ships full of men and

women, whole platoons in foreign countries and whole Air Force bases are not only getting

cookies but little notes of encouragement, love and support from everyone back home. The

Sunday School class can color print outs, and you, the congregation can write Thank you

cards or Thinking of you cards and brief notes and bring them to the church, no envelopes are

necessary, only first names of the congregation and you can put on there that it is coming from

a church in Texas. Bring them back to church and I will have a box in the Narthex and I will

collect them and send them to the lady in charge and they will be sent off with the Cookies.

Next shipment is due to go out by the first part of Feb. They send these cookies out all year

long, every few months so this can be an ongoing project. PLEASE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IN THE LIVES OF THESE BRAVE HEROES AND LET THEM KNOW WE SUPPORT

THEM AND ARE PRAYING FOR THEM.

If you have a computer, you can go on line to www.grammyscookieconvoy.com click on it

and you will see how big this organization is and the response from the thousands of men and

women who receive these cookies and notes.

For those of you who would like to send cards of prayer and encouragement to Michael Lindgren and Barbara & Harold Lindgren

they may be reached at:

Michael Lindgren 21823 Shimmering Green Trail

Cypress, Texas 77433

Barbara & Harold Lindgren 16819 Blue Shine Trail Cypress, Texas 77433

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