D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Advent 2015: Waiting & Anticipating!

5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6

my soul waits for

the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who

watch for the morning. 7

O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is

steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. - Psalm 130: 5-7

In our modern-day “gotta get it done now (preferably by yesterday)” world,

waiting for things is hard to do and patience is almost a curse word. And yet,

in our daily walk with God, we are often asked to wait upon God’s perfect

timing. At times this seems way too slow for us!

Imagine being part of the faithful ancient Israelite community as they waited

and anticipated God’s promise of a chosen and anointed One, the Messiah.

They waited for not just years, but centuries for his coming.

In the season we call “Advent”, which began on Sunday, November 29th

and

continues until December 24th

, we again prepare our hearts and minds as we

remember Jesus’ first coming. We now know this One for whom the ancient

Israelites waited is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was born on Christmas

morn, in a lowly cattle stable in Bethlehem. He continues to be with us

through God’s Holy Spirit, and promises to return to earth someday (as we

continue to wait and anticipate).

In this Advent season, I encourage you to take time every day - if only for a

few minutes - to slow down and breathe deeply, then say a prayer that God will

guide your life and the life of your family, your child or children, and our

congregation at Grace Lutheran. Also I invite you and your family to join on

Wednesdays, December 2nd

, 9th

& 16th

to share a meal at 5:45 p.m. in the

fellowship hall, followed by an Advent worship service at 6:30 p.m. in the

sanctuary.

Then (finally) on Christmas Eve we’ll have worship services at 6:00 & 10:00

p.m. with Christmas carols, Communion and candlelight. It will be an uplifting

celebration. Mark your calendar to be here and invite a friends or family to

come along!

May you and yours have a blessed Advent season and a Merry Christmas,

Pastor Bryan Dziadik-Willingham

Vol . 30 ∙ I ssue 12 DECEMBER 2015

Grace Notes Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church ∙ Lockhart, Texas

Called in grace we: Welcome ▪ Seek ▪ Share ▪ Serve

108 N. Medina St. ∙ (512) 398-6490 ∙ Pastor’s cell: (512)-995-1661 ∙ Preschool (512) 398-6488

gracelutheranlockhart@gmail.com ∙ www.gracelutheranlockhart.org

2015 Church Leaders

and Staff

Pastor

Bryan Dziadik-Willingham

Congregation Council

Judy Cathey, President

Brenden Patteson, Vice

President

Shirley Richardson, Secretary

Maja Sommerlatte, Treasurer

Darrell Marsland, Member

Hilary LoBue, Member

Preschool Director

Eileen Larkin

Preschool Board

Debbie Lockhart, President

Robert Cheatham, VP

Gretchen Vera, Secretary

Rosie Kirkwood, Treasurer

Billy Ray Buckner, Member

Rachel Grubbs, Member

Tina Ramsey, Member

Hilary LoBue, Council Liaison

Christian Education

Tara Bittner, Supt.

Teachers: Tara Bittner,

Lenaya Robinson, Bryan

Dziadik-Willingham

Youth Leaders

Lenaya Robinson,

Coordinator

Women of the ELCA Officers

Karen Sommerlatte,

Coordinator

Carol Böer, Secretary

Nell Berry, Treasurer

Altar Guild Officers

Nell Berry, Coordinator

Clara Smith, Co-coordinator

Carol Böer, Secretary

Worship

Clara Smith, Readers

Tommy Perkins, Ushers

Linda Ottmers, Greeters

Carol Barnhart, Organist

Lois Hahn, Pianist

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Midweek Servers for December 2015

2nd 9th 16th 24th early service

24th late service

Bread XXXX XXXX XXXX Erin Bittner

Erin Bittner

Mid

we

ek

Se

rvic

e

Acolyte Lilli Utzinger Fritz Anton Ili Sommerlatte

Emma Leigh Grubbs

Deacon Snider

Altar XXXX XXXX XXXX Clara Smith

Gloria Hanna

Communion XXXX XXXX XXXX Michele D-W & Judy

Cathey

Cindy Dobie & Kristy

Caldwell

Liturgist Elaine Michna Elaine Michna Elaine Michna Maja Sommerlatte

David Schneider &

Deacon Snider

Readers XXXX XXXX XXXX Rachel & Jerry Grubbs

Sandi Castillo & TBA

Ushers Doug & Jane

Spillmann Joe & Hilary LoBue

Tommy & Becky

Perkins Doug & Jane Spillmann

Tommy & Becky

Perkins

Christian Education Opportunities at Grace December 2015

SUNDAY SCHOOL is held Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary for adults, new building for others

Adult Sunday School -Teacher: Pastor Bryan – People of Faith Series: Ruth, Samuel, David, Elijah

6th Grade – 12th Grade – Teacher: Lenaya Robinson – Encounter program

Ages 4 thru 5th Grade- Teacher: Tara Bittner –– Practice for Christmas play

Thank you to all who bought books and DVDs from the Sparkhouse Resource Book Fair. Your purchase made

possible the new Bibles and storybooks you will see in pews or DVDs in Fellowship Hall library! Thank you!

CONFIRMATION CLASSES Exploring the Ten Commandments

FOR FRITZ ANTON, EMMA UTZINGER, HENRY GOMEZ, DEACON SNIDER, SETH SMITH,

TAYTON BUKOWSKY & MASON DOBIE

WELCA BIBLE STUDY

The annual WELCA joint Bible Study with Ebenezer Lutheran-Maxwell will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, at

11 a.m. You may eat lunch if you wish at the Senior Center in Lockhart, TX. The Bible Study will be

"Imagine" to be facilitated by Grace Lutheran. WELCA Bible Study begins at 11:30 a.m. Lockhart working

folks are welcome to attend. A Christmas Care Offering will be taken for the Extension Education Assn. in

Caldwell County Food Distribution Fund. This fund distributes non- perishable food six times a year to county

area sites in Lockhart, Luling, and Prairie Lea. Those in need of food in Caldwell County are welcome to come

to these distribution sites. This project has been carried out since 1994.

GRACE FAMILY EVENTS

December 4 – Live Nativity -A Dickens’ Christmas Parade: Our Live Nativity will be on a float!

On Friday, December 4 we will meet at the church at 4:30 p.m. Line-up will be at 5:00 p.m.,

followed by judging at 6:00 p.m. and the parade at 7:00 p.m.

January- no event scheduled

As an opportunity to come together as a family of faith, a program geared

to all families of the congregation – young and old.

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Congregational Meeting Recap

The congregation met for its quarterly congregational meeting on October 18, 2015.

An update on old business items was provided on the following:

Building Project – Drainage Issues – recommendations from Ann Galipp to be discussed as new business on

Phase 2 of Building Project

Stained Glass Committee – Committee formed with the following members: Jeff Utzinger, Robert Cheatham,

Hilary LoBue, Becky Perkins, and Erin Bittner

Décor for new building has been purchased and installed. Thanks to Robert and Sharon Cheatham for

providing the funds for this project and to Nell Berry and Sharon Cheatham for purchase and installation.

Flood Victim Assistance/God’s Work, Our Hands Project – Family that had been designated for assistance is no

longer in need. Funds collected for flood victim assistance in the amount of $1100 was used to purchase 22 $50

gift cards from McCoy’s Building Supply and was given to the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team for use

to flood victims still in need of assistance. The focus of God’s Work, Our Hands Project will move from

assistance to family affected by floods to serving meals to Meals on Wheels recipients on Monday holidays.

The first project was Labor Day where 40+ meals were prepared and delivered.

New Business:

Clyde Sommerlatte provided a report on the proposal from Ann Galipp to address Phase 2 of Building Project.

Phase 2 consists of New Parking Lot and Storm-water Retention Pond. The proposal was reviewed with a cost

estimate for development of site plans for the project of $5,635. Approval was given to move forward with

acceptance of Site Development Plans with payment not to exceed $6,000 to be paid from Building Fund, along

with authorization of payment of permitted fees and request for bids Phase 2 project.

A request to amend the 2015 budget line item for Pension & Health was discussed. It was found that the

amount of actual cost for this line item would exceed the approved budgeted amount for 2015. After

discussion, it was agreed that the budget would not be increased and the overage for this line item would be

reflected in the year end financial reports.

The slate of nominees for 2016-2017 Congregation Council, Preschool Board, and 2016 Nominating Committee

was provided and election of the following was approved: President – Billy Ray Buckner, Secretary – Elaine

Michna, and Member At-Large – Ruby Owen, Preschool Board – Don Smith and Hilary LoBue, who will fulfill

the term of Billy Ray Buckner, 2016 Nominating Committee – Carol Barnhart, Frances Gomez, and Ronnie

Stephens.

The 2016 Budget was presented and approved.

Quarterly financial reports, July 2015 Congregational meeting minutes, and committee reports were presented.

Informational items were presented as follows:

Church Grounds Work Day – Saturday, October 24, 2015 (rescheduled for November 15 due to weather)

Fellowship Hall Feasibility Committee formed – Clyde Sommerlatte, Chairperson, Brenden Patteson, Joe

LoBue, Nell Berry, and Tara Bittner.

Next Quarterly Congregational Meeting – January 17, 2016 following late service

We are facing some financial concerns as we end 2015, but through our congregation’s prayerfulness and

faithfulness, we will be able to overcome these concerns and continue in the mission of the church.

May the Lord continue to guide us in the work of His Church.

God’s Blessings,

Judy Cathey

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Camp Information

This summer, Cross Trails Ministry campers will be exploring the theme of Saints and Superheroes. We will

be using superhero imagery to learn more about our call to be part of the sainthood of all believers in the world

today. Our worships, staff-led Bible studies and daily activities will focus on discovering that God knows we

are not perfect, but calls us to act in the world anyway! It is going to be a great summer!

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Preschool Update Director Eileen Larkin

Mrs. Salinas’ Class Ms. Almaguer’s Class

Five Super Senses Winter

Filling the Sleigh Christmas

Letters: J, K, L Letters: J K

Numbers: 9, 10 Numbers: 9, 10

Color: Green Color: Blue/white

Shape: Star Shapes: Rhombus

Faith Lesson: Christmas: Jesus is Born

Luke 2:1-20

Pizza Hut: Thank you to the 42 families who

went to Pizza Hut on our fundraising day! We

made $193 by receiving 20% of your purchases

that day.

Christmas: Santa will be visiting on Thursday,

December 17 at 9:30 a.m. The preschool has early

dismissal on Friday, December 18 at 3:30 p.m.

and will be closed from December 21-January 1

for the holiday.

Preschool Sunday: Thank you to everyone

who came out to celebrate Preschool Sunday. We

had a record-breaking 41 children there! We hope

all of you had a good time! Thank you to the hard-

working congregation of Grace for putting on this

event for our families.

Dickens: We will have a sweets booth at

Dickens again this year. It will run from 5:30 –

9:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec 4, and 9:30 a.m.-8:30

p.m. on Saturday, Dec 5. We will need lots of

cookies and goodies as well as volunteers to help

with the booth. We have a sign-up sheet available.

It was lots of fun last year!

Thank you: to Mary Bill for oranges.

Preschool Sunday Sunday, November 8, 10:15 a.m.

Thank you to all the church members who worked

so hard on Preschool Sunday this year. Setting up,

shopping, cooking, cleaning up-it is a very big job

and we appreciate you very much! We had 41

children and their families attend. Thank you also

to all the sponsors for praying for and supporting

our children throughout the year. It means a lot!

Women of ELCA Update

Thankoffering Service: A Big Thank You to

all ladies and young ladies who participated in our

Thankoffering Service! It was a beautiful service.

Thanks also to Michele Dziadik-Willingham for

her message. Thanks to Jane Spillman and Gloria

Hanna for helping with the service. So far we

have collected $802.86.

Thanksgiving Baskets: We collected food for

ten Thanksgiving Baskets to give to 10 families.

Thanks to all who donated food or money for

turkeys. Also, thank you to Becky Perkins and

Carol Olson for coordinating the project.

Brown Santa: Thank you to everyone who

donated toys for Brown Santa. The Caldwell

County Sheriff’s Department will pick up after

December 1st. Thank you to Carol Barnhart and

Michele Dziadik-Willingham for coordinating this

project.

Annual Planning Meeting: Our annual

planning meeting and salad luncheon will be held

January 9, 2016, at 11:00 in the Parish Hall. All

women of Grace are invited to attend.

Please continue to turn in your Sirloin Stockade

Receipts.

Karen Sommerlatte

Women of the ELCA Coordinator

Worship Attendance

November 1………………..83

November 8…………..…..272

November 15……………… 97

November 22……………....84

November 29……………...70

December Birthdays

Averianna Tovar 2

Novelli Serrato 2

Vivian Carter 7

Keely Hall 12

Ayden Taylor 19

Reagan Brast 21

Ramona Jones 27

Maddox Ramirez 28

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

Lutheran World Relief

There is an old adage about gifts that

“keep on giving”. Lutheran World

Relief does just that, with many great

choices to provide help overcoming

poverty around the world. A goat provides not just

milk but a future herd. Chickens provide eggs and

meat. A wide variety of options in all price ranges

are available. For example, worms are only $16, a

fruit tree seedling is available for $40, a piglet for

$45, and a goat for $100. You can also purchase

school or medical supplies. Contact lwrgifts.org

for more information and choices. This Christmas,

give the gift of hope.

Tree of Angels

In 1991, the Tree of Angels was initiated in

Austin, Texas by People Against Violent Crime.

The event is a reverent forum for the community

to join together to remember, include and support

those who have lost loved ones in traumatic

events and in violent acts of crime. Above all, the

Tree of Angels is an expression of the realization

of love and a celebration of life. The holiday

season is a particularly difficult time for crime

victims and their families. The Lockhart

Volunteer Victim Assistance Team would like to

invite you to attend the “Tree of Angels”

Ceremony on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 7:00

p.m. located at the First Lockhart Baptist Church

(315 W. Prairie Lea St, Lockhart). A reception

will follow and the tree will be at the Lockhart

City Hall office for the remainder of the holiday

season. Anyone wishing to place an Angel on the

tree is invited to bring a special non-breakable

Angel ornament. Tags will be available for each

Angel. For more information or to RSVP please

contact Tina Ramsey at 512-398-4401 or

vat@ps.lockhart-tx.org.

Holiday Open House

The residents of 1017 Bois D’Arc joyfully invite

you to a Holiday Open House on Saturday,

December 12 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Seasonal food

and entertainment will be provided.

Thank you….

Dear Grace Lutheran Church,

Mom was a long time member and I know she will

be missed. Thank you for the service and hospitality

provided. Mom would have been very pleased. I

know I was. Thanks again for all the care and love

shown.

God Bless,

Richard, Cheryl and Erin Newell

Family of Lillian Starr

Dear Congregation of Grace Lutheran Church,

Thank you for your recent generous donations of

$900 in July and October to the Lockhart Service

Unit of the Salvation Army.

It is especially gratifying to be reminded by

donations like yours that our efforts to assist the

needy are being recognized and supported.

Please be assured that your donation will be used to

help those residents of Caldwell County who have

need of financial assistance.

Again, thank you for trusting the Salvation Army

with your donation.

Sincerely,

Phil McBride

Upcoming Events at Grace

Advent Meals Wednesdays, December 2, 9 &16, 5:45 p.m.

Join us in a community meal before Advent services.

Advent Worship Wednesdays, December 2, 9 &16, 6:15 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study Thursday, December 3, 11:00 a.m.

The women of Grace and Ebenezer Lutheran in

Maxwell will hold a joint Bible Study. See page 2.

Dickens’ Lighted Parade Friday, December 4, meet at 4:30 p.m.

Our Live Nativity float will be in the Dickens’

Christmas parade! See details on page 2.

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 G r a c e N o t e s

A Dickens’ Christmas in

Lockhart Friday, December 4, 5:30 – 9:00

p.m.

Saturday, December 5, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

The preschool will have a sweets booth at Dickens.

Stop by and pick up something delicious! We will be

needing lots of donated cookies or other goodies. If

you bake, please consider donating! Volunteers to

work the booth are also welcome!

Chisolm Trail Worship Mondays, December 7 and 21, 10:30 a.m., Chisolm

Trail Nursing & Rehab

Pastor Bryan welcomes anyone who would be

interested in joining him for worship at CTL.

Church Council Meeting Tuesday, December 8, 6:30 p.m.

The church council will meet.

Children’s Christmas Worship Sunday, December 20, 10:15 a.m.

The children of the church present their annual

program.

Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 20, 11:30 a.m.

Come add your voice to caroling at

Chisolm Trail Living and Rehabilitation

Center after late service.

We Remember in Prayer… General Prayers:

Eleanor Adkins (Molly Wranitsky’s sister),

Joseph Alvarez, Gerald Anton, Joe Birdwell, Angela

Boaen, Larry & Amanda Bobbitt, Jan Bouer, Dorothy

Buckner, Joyce Buckner, Norman & Georgia

Chambliss (Karen Buckner’s parents), Alfred Chapa,

Sharon Cheatham, Sylvester Cooper, Wayne Cosper,

Gilbert Cruz, Dave Degroot (Sandi Castillo’s

stepfather), Delia Delgado, Jeanette Denison, Dora

Dupert, Rose Duval, Cyndi Dyer, Rhia Espinoza,

Terry Frerich, Joshua Gonzalez, Oralia Gomez

(Frances Gomez’s mother-in-law), Amy Harrell,

Nathan Hazelton, Margret Hesse, Chuck Holtgraven

(Tara Bittner’s uncle), Pastor Bobby Irwin, Molly

Karam (Roberta Smith’s co-worker), Chuck Keppler

(Tina Ramsey’s father), Barbara Kistler (Maja

Sommerlatte’s mother), Charlie Kruegar, Julie

Lawless (Joe Birdwell’s daughter), Jean Lehman

(Lena’s sister), Loretta Leonhardt, Hayden Lewis,

Amy & baby Aaron Lohse, Lydia Longoria (Judy

Cathey’s co-worker), Ila Marsland, Mary Marsland

(Darrell’s mother), Barbara Massey, Anne Mathys

(Carol Barnhart’s sister-in-law), Roy McClure (Mae

McClure’s son), Shannon Motta (Hilary Lobue’s

mother), Kyle Murphy, Carol Olson, Meredith Olson

(Erica Paul’s sister), John Owen, Mark Patton, Erica

Paul, Hunter Payne, Payne/Dyer family, Shara

Pendergrass, Noah Post (Chris Post’s nephew), Terri

Post, Monroe Prellop, Taylor Ragsdale (David

Schneider’s niece), Vanessa Ramirez (Sandi Castillo’s

daughter), Sharleen Reed, Laura Roberts, Jimmy

Rogers (Dobie’s friend), John Rush, Scott Savage,

Jeannie Schaefer, Evelyn Schmidt, Dorothy Schulle,

Heath Siegmund (Joyce Buckner’s coworker), Alex

Smith, John “JD” Smith, Seth Smith, Milton

Sommerlatte (Clyde’s brother), Jane Spillmann, Barbie

Stroudt, Beth Sustala (Lena’s daughter-in-law), Lena

Sustala, Jerry Sustala, Carrina Tello, Jessica Tovar,

Ella Townes, Betty Treude (friend of Schulles),

Houston Walker, Kathy Walker (John Smith’s sister),

Cathy Wear, Sophie Weinheimer, Evelyn Wells

(Rachel Grubbs’ grandmother), Judy Wehde, Lisa

White, Nick White, Mollie Wranitzsky, Shirley

Zimmerhanzel (Robert Cheatham’s sister), and the

people of Paris.

Families of Deceased: especially Lois Ramsey, Frank Park, Dana Seitz, Judy

Hill, Ferdie Scharschmidt, Henry Homann, and Herman

Kirkwood.

Public Servants and Military: All firefighters, law enforcement officers,

dispatchers and first responders.

All military service personnel who serve abroad and

those who protect us at home, including all chaplains,

and especially: Joshua Rodriguez, Colin Lebeau,

Robert Treadway (Japan), and Ryan Newell (Lillian

Starr’s grandson who is in Special Ops).

Those Giving Thanks or Celebrating:

All those with December birthdays: Alfredo Gamez

(3), Cindy Treadway (7), Burt Livengood (8), Hannah

Lamb (8), John Owen (8), Don Smith (9), Gail

Livengood (10), Stacy Palm (11), Brynn Livengood

(13), Carole House (14), Taylor Malaer (14), Monica

Malaer (21), and Molly Gorman (23).

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NOTE: We include in our prayer list those members and friends of

Grace who desire our public prayers for healing and comfort. To

add or remove someone’s name, please email

gracelutheranlockhart@gmail.com or call (512) 398-6490. To

remain current, we will keep names on the list only through a

given month unless otherwise informed.