The Chronicles
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
RR 12 & Spoke Hill Rd
PO Box 1087
Wimberley, Texas 512-847-3386
Web page: www.welcometonewlife.org
E-mail: Office@welcometonewlife.org
Pastor: Jennifer Fuhr
Office Admin: Colleen Kaye
October, 2010
I will never forget Steven. I met Steven in Sierra Vista, AZ on Internship when we were serving at the
Salvation Army. Steven was always barely getting by. He was poor, he was always dirty and he often wore the
same clothes over and over again. He kept trying to make a life for himself and his family. But he could never
get a leg up in the world. I remember all the times of listening to his story and hearing him struggle to make
ends meet. I recall hearing how he hated that his kids were teased in school because they didn’t have all the
latest fashioned clothes or brought their lunch in a paper sack instead of a Pokémon lunch pail. His heart would
break. My heart would ache. But something happens when you know someone’s heart and story, and you can’t
turn away.
Every day he wondered if he’d be able to pay the bills and feed his kids. He would frustrate me because
he always lived by the seat of his pants and I would have much rather he planned things out in advance. But
mostly it frustrated me how judged by the world he was as he lived out his life’s situation. I know my tendency
is to judge people, to judge someone in the first instance, to separate myself from people who aren’t like me,
who don’t share my values or my view and judge them by the world’s standards. The world defines us by what
we do, how we behave, how we look, what we own.
But God loves us just because God made us. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
(Matthew 5:7) As I reflect on this beatitude and Steven’s friendship, I wonder about seeing ourselves in and
through other people. I think there is something to be said about showing mercy to others that makes us realize
that we need God’s mercy. The mercy and love that God shows us are not based on what we do but on who we
are. It’s love not based on our actions or our ability to understand it. It’s just there. Just as God doesn’t walk
away from us – I couldn’t walk away from Steven and his family. The only way I could help him was to love
him and give him space and acknowledge that he is a human being made by God.
I read the following written about this beatitude: “The 5th beatitude seems simple enough: do mercy,
get mercy. But it’s tricky because this beatitude causes us to look in the mirror. It can change our way of
seeing. First, when we offer mercy to another, something happens that can give us a kind of rearview vision:
we begin to see the mercy that is piled up behind us already, the acts of care and kindness and forgiveness that
have been given to us through the years. Or we might offer mercy to one in need and see that looking right back
at us is our own need for mercy. Or, a call to us for mercy can hold up a mirror that makes us want to look
away, because we see reflected there our unwillingness or our inability to offer compassion. Mercy is
complicated.”
Oh so true. But might this be where the church can step in? In a world marked by fear, suspicion and
war, might we see the church as the place to teach the world about love? Our agenda, our program, our purpose,
our practice, should be love – healing, transformative love. And yet, often we don’t want to mess with others
who are different. That’s hard work. It takes a lot to hear somebody else’s story. We don’t want to do the hard
work. We don’t want our lives to change.
But imagine if we became known as the people who are able to greet the other and say, “Namaste, the
God in me greets the God in you.” Imagine if we could see ourselves in the other person. We could change the
world.
What do you think?
Pastor Jennifer 
HAPPENINGS @ LCR
RUMMAGE SALE/SILENT AUCTION
Be sure to stop by the church on Saturday, October 2nd to help or buy! The funds collected
from these sales will be matched by Thrivent for a Day Camp in the summer of 2011.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY CLEAN UP
Saturday, October 16th beginning at 9:00am. Please see the signup sheet at church for more
information.
SEW-IN
Saturday, October 16th beginning at 9:00am. We will meet to create more quilts, sew ones that
are ready and even tie a few more. Come and join the festivities!
TACO SUNDAY
Sunday, October 24th – Donations will be given to the summer camp fund (confirmation and
youth camping opportunities).
OKTOBERFEST @ ANHALT HALL
It’s time to put on our dancing shoes and join in the festivities on Sunday, October 17th. The
Seven Dutchman play from 1-5pm and then Billy Mata picks up the stage from 6-10pm. $5 admission
prior to 4:00pm ($10 after that). Come and join in food, fellowship and dancing if you wish! Be
watching and listening for more information at church.
PARTNERSHIP PROMISE SUNDAY
October 24th in Worship we will place our Partnership Promise on the altar as we give back to
God what he has first given us. All throughout October (as we did in September) we are hearing
stories from folks in our congregation about being stewards of God. On this day we will honor each
person’s proportionate giving (see an article later in the newsletter for more on this).
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S HAPPENINGS
CONFIRMATION CLASS & BANQUET
Sunday, October 3rd 2-5pm is class time. And then a 5:00pm banquet for students and families
of those in the tribe being confirmed this year. All of this takes place at Holy Cross in Austin.
BOWLING, 10/10 @ NOON – SUNSET LANES, SAN MARCOS
All children, youth and families are invited to an afternoon of bowling on Sunday, October 10 th
beginning at Noon. We’ll grab some lunch in the park and then head to the lanes. Bowling fees will
be paid by the church for all children and youth. Please plan to have money along for lunch, snacks
and any adults who would like to join in the bowling fun.
JR. HIGH RETREAT
Deadline for registration is October 13th. Ask Pastor for information that was shared at the
confirmation parent/youth meeting.
FOOTBALL GAME @ TLU
The game is Saturday, November 6th. If you would like a ticket for the game, please contact
Mike Schliessman by October 31st.
TRICK OR CAN
Be watching for the details on where and when to meet Halloween Night. LCR folks --- please
be sure to let us know if you’d like us to stop by your house! Be listening for details.
MILESTONE MINISTRY
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY--- On Sunday, October 31st we will honor and celebrate with
the families of Hannah Raska and Parker Tise as they mark the milestone of another leg in the
education journey. Please join us for fellowship after worship.
WHO SAID THIS?
“O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” (Psalm 98)
Marvelous things, indeed! Resurrection congregation, with its numbers ever increasing and its
faces ever changing, has been given the gift of life anew. As we begin (a year is placed here), we are all
too aware that a year and a half ago we weren’t certain we would see the start of (a year is placed here).
But God has gathered us reborn people and blessed us for the challenge of the rebirth of this
congregation. Thinking of the challenge brings particular scripture verses to mind:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon us….to bring good news to the poor….and to proclaim
the acceptable year of the Lord.”
“We are stewards of the mysteries of God.”
We are surely stewards of the mystery as well as stewards of the bounty of our God. And the
Holy Spirit continues to be among us, continually blessings us, continually calling us to face the task,
to receive the gifts, to be the people who are singing that new song of praise and wonder.
Here’s to life, Resurrection Church! Let the new song resound!
Any ideas? This message is a part of our history (and our future). Can you guess which pastor and
what year it was written? Email, call or talk to Pastor Jennifer if you have an idea. Be watching the
November newsletter for the answer! And don’t forget the big 25th Anniversary date, November
14th. There will be worship, fellowship, food, the Bishop’s in town, and many old and new friends will
gather for the festivities.
STORIES OF STEWARDS IN MISSION
Madelyn Raska has volunteered with Amigos de Jesus (ESL program for little kids) for the
past two summers. Madelyn decided to volunteer in this way because she “thought it would be a fun
and helpful experience and a time to hang out with Nancy Carney.” She said that she enjoyed pushing
the kids on their tire swing after they completed their school work. Mostly, “I just enjoy watching kids
have fun and laughing!” The most rewarding part of the experience was when “the smallest girl said
her first five letters of the ABC’s. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for her it was, considering she
couldn’t say two words in English when we first started two years ago.” From this opportunity
Madelyn has learned that “you can find God anywhere, anytime. All you have to do is look!!”
Carlie Tise went to Costa Rica this summer “because there was no reason [she] wouldn’t want
to. It sounded fantastic, so why not?” she said. The best part of the trip for Carlie was the day the
group spent with the children of San Martin. “The most important/rewarding part [of the experience]
was probably just the interactions that took place and the friendship we all made.” When asked what
she learned from the experience, Carlie said, “The funny thing was that I expected to learn so much
about the people there but what I didn’t expect was learning so much about myself.” From this
occurrence Carlie gained a new way of looking at life in general. “Learning lessons there about life
and hospitality left me feeling as though that would follow me back home, and it did.”
[Talk to these stewards and share your stories. Each month we will share a story of a steward
of mission in our congregation. Do you know of someone that we could feature? Talk to Pastor
Jennifer or Colleen.]
NEW DIRECTORY AND NARTHEX DISPLAY PHOTOS
Hopefully everyone has had their picture taken by now, but if not please be in touch with Harriet
Powell or Shirley Schliessmann. We want to make sure we get your pictures updated. Thanks!
WHAT IS PROPORTIONATE GIVING?
Proportionate giving is the Biblical principle of giving a percentage of your income to the
Lord. In this way your gift is “in proportion” to what you have received. To put it another way – it’s
not the size of the gift that counts, but the percentage that you give that matters.
A story in the Gospels illustrates this: Our Lord Jesus was in the Temple one day watching
people put their offering into the treasury. He noticed that rich folks were putting in very large sums,
probably thousands of dollars. At the same time a poor widow came in and put in two small copper
coins worth about two cents.
Now who do you suppose gave the bigger gift? The obvious answer would seem to be the
rich folks with their offering of thousands of dollars. But that’s only from a human point of view.
From God’s point of view the poor widow’s gift was bigger, and here’s why. Jesus said, “Truly I tell
you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of
them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had,
all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44) The gifts of thousands of dollars represented only a small
percentage of the wealth of the rich donors, but the poor widow’s gift represented 100% of what she
had. That’s why Jesus said that she had put in “more than all those who are contributing to the
treasury.”
Our Lord Jesus is not advocating that we give 100% of our income to God. That’s not the point
of this story. The point is that the gifts of the poor are as precious in the sight of the Lord as the gifts
of the wealthy. It all turns on the percentage of the gift. That’s why no gift given to the Lord is too
small or insignificant if it represents a true proportion of what we have to give.
You see, it’s not that the Lord needs our gifts. It’s really that we need to acknowledge in a
concrete way all that we are and all that we have comes from God. Our motive for giving
proportionately is as important as the gift itself. Paul writes: “Each of you must give as you have made
up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians
9:7) We give proportionately out of what God has first given us. Our gift is a “thanks-giving” – a
cheerful celebration of all that he has done for us in this life, and for all that he has done for us in
Christ in the life to come.
What percentage of your income are you now giving to the Lord? Find out and consider
increasing your thanks-giving by 1% this year. If you need assistance in figuring out what that might
be for the income of your home – there are worksheets at church to help. See the Stewards display
table in the narthex. And remember, God loves a cheerful giver!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
We make commitments to pay for our house, our car or even our cellular
phone; but what are we willing to commit to the Lord? Remember, He gave His
only Son. What will we give?
We continue to pray for all who are ill and recovering and receiving treatments or testing and
for Pam Longoria, Hugh Ellington, Doris Kowalski, Casey Hickman, Zee Hickman (mother of Danny
and Lois Hickman), Dot Currie (sister of Dirk Dierking), Jill Vantine (daughter of Bobbi & Jim
Vantine), Aiden Pederson (friend of Lois Hickman), Jim Wolf (friend of Carol and Dirk Dierking),
Rusty Powell (son of Harriet Powell), and all care givers that devote their time to care for those they
love.
Please be in prayer for our family and friends who are serving our country either stateside or
overseas. Pray daily for peace in our world, particularly in the Middle East, and for all who suffer the
consequences of war. We continue to pray for those who are hungry and for those who serve them.
Please be in prayer for the Lord to replenish the earth as He sees fit. We also lift in prayer the families
that are struggling with separation and divorce.
WE CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH!
THANK YOU TO……
The mysterious trimmer in early September (Brandon Merkord – we heard it was you! ).
And everyone who helps to keep our grounds looking nice!
Angie Rose, Jo Anne Miller, Al Strobel, Bunky Layton, and Dorcy Rhea for leading and
representing LCR at Deer Creek for worship.
Any and everyone who helped make Rally Day a success!
Any LCR members that shopped locally for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Day in August.
Operation Good Shepherd was given over $2500 from the businesses that participated. Good work
shoppers. A special shout out to Chris Nichols @ King Feed for supporting such an event!
Everyone who signed up to get their picture taken. And most especially to Shirley
Schliessmann and Harriet Powell for their commitment to making a new directory.
Everyone that attended the Transformation Event in September. Wow --- the Spirit was
moving that day! We look forward to what is crafted from that work. Please be in prayer with Dianne
Kilpatrick, Emily Merkord and Jim Ellisor as they continue to be guided by the Spirit in culminating
the work for us.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I want to thank you for supporting me in my recent decision. It was a very hard choice for me
to make, let alone share with all of you. I have appreciated the humorous statements, joking around,
prayerful concerns and words of support from all of you. I especially thank those that shared gifts of
love. To whoever it was that wrote “From our family to yours” - your gift was tearfully accepted and
wholeheartedly appreciated.
In Christ – Pastor Jennifer 
Dear LCR,
Thank you so much for your generous donation of $100 to Cross Trails Ministry! Your gift
will be used to help thousands of people to come to camp, and discover or renew God’s call for their
lives. Your donation to the annual fund makes it possible for us to keep our prices reasonable, provide
financial aid to those who need it, and pay all of the expenses that go into keeping this ministry alive
and growing.
Thank you again for blessing this ministry with your gift!
Erick & Deanna Christensen
Co-Executive Directors of Cross Trails Ministry
WORDS OF THANKS FROM THE COSTA RICA GANG….
From Carlie Tise: How to thank everyone in just a few words seems impossible almost. I guess I
just want to say that because of everyone’s help and support my life was changed for the better. Thank
you. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you again.
From Tripp Temoney: Thank you so much for the support.
From Parker Tise: Thanks so much for helping all of us experience that trip. I will never forget it.
From Holley Hickman: Thank you so much, your help changed my life.
From Pastor Jennifer: You know, sometimes words just can’t express our thanks. This was a once
in a lifetime experience for some and for others it was life changing. For me it was a reminder of the
call to ministry and work the Lord has in store for these young people. They truly mean their words of
gratitude. Be sure to continue to read their Stewards in Mission stories in the coming months!
WAY TO GO LCR!
September Mission of the Month collection for Operation Good Shepherd totaled $297,
including the $137 donated on Taco Sunday.
August Taco Sunday collection totaled $134 to be given to the Amigos de Jesus program.
Thank you to the youth for their continued work in making tacos and seeing a mission in need. And
thanks to everyone who came to enjoy the wonderful food and fellowship. See you next time!
THE FUTURE STARTS NOW
This is the title of the book being studied in our Adult Education Class @ 9:00am on Sunday
mornings. Please stop by and join the conversation of how LCR can learn to be who we are, use what
we have, and see God at loose in the world. If you would like to be a part of the study, but are unable
to attend the actual class time…..please check out the book from the LCR Library. Hope to see you in
class!
DINNER NIGHT OUT
Mark your calendars for the Revived Dinner Night Out on Wednesday, October 13th. We will
be heading to the Gristmill in Gruene to dine at 6:30pm. We always have a good time together and
invite you to join us! Watch your mail for coupons from the Gristmill.
MEXICAN TRAIN
An event that takes place each month at the church – and is open to all who wish to come and
join the fun. In case you aren’t aware – this is a dominoes game. If you’ve never heard of it and wish
to learn – come and join us. Whether you are an expert or a beginner – you will fit right in with this
crowd of LCR folks. We play on the 3rd Thursday of the month, beginning at 12:30pm. The next play
date is October 21st. If you would like to be on the e-mail list of dates, please contact Shirley
Schliessmann.
HAND & FOOT
We have started another game day here at church: Hand and Foot. It’s a card game similar to
Canasta and fun to play. The second and fourth Monday of each month at 1:00 p.m. is when the group
meets. If you want to be on the email reminder list, contact Colleen at 847-3386.
CAMP CHRYSALIS – 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
“A Diamond in the Rough” is the theme of these festivities on Saturday, October 16 th in
Kerrville. The day includes a youth triathlon, barbeque picnic lunch, camp activities and tour, worship
and museum dedication all leading up to the special evening event. That night at Inn of the Hills in
Kerrville from 6:30-11:30pm there will be dinner, dancing and sharing of camp memories. See the
invitation on the Welcome Table at church for more information.
WALK 4 HABITAT AND CLASSIC CAR SHOW
On Saturday, October 23rd the Wimberley Valley Habitat for Humanity will be hosting the 4th
Annual Walk and Car Show. LCR will be a sponsor again this year! Please plan to come and join the
community in the festivities of the Walk (beginning at 10:00am) and Car Show (10:00am-2:00pm) at
Chapel in the Hills. Our youth (and other church members) will be hosting the refreshment stand,
serving hot dogs, chips, drinks and other goodies. We hope you stop by for the fun! See the posters
and other flyers hanging in the church’s narthex for more information.
WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SHOW?
There is going to be Christmas Musical at First Baptist Church, Wimberley….and you are
welcome to be a part of the show. Dan Stephens, Minister of Music and Senior Adults, is seeking
more cast members, choir members and musicians to help make the show a success. The performance
is the weekend of December 10-12. Please contact Dan (847-9035) to learn more about the show,
rehearsal times, and/or be a part of the show.
ONLINE VERSION OF THE VISTA LAUNCHED
An online version of The Vista, the newspaper of the Southwestern Texas Synod, is available at
www.thevistaonline.org.
Registered users will receive a weekly update from the editor briefly describing the major
articles that have been added in the past week. Use the sign-up feature in the upper right-hand corner
of the home page of the web site.
An important note: simply visiting the web site does not register your email address. Those
interested in receiving the updates must use the sign-up feature on the home page in order to join this
list.
The online version of The Vista will work in partnership with the quarterly print issues. If you
have questions about the new online resource or need assistance in using the sign-in feature, contact
the editor at vista@satx.rr.com or (830) 305-2758.
BEING STEWARDS OF GOD’S MONEY….
August
General Fund –
Total Giving $8,947
Mission Plan $10,000
Expenditures --- $9,329
Building Fund Total Giving $1,897
Mission Plan $1,821
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all you produce. (Proverbs 3:9)
November - Mark Your Calendars! – Watch for more details later.
6 – Youth to attend TLU football game
7 – Confirmation @ LCR, 2-5pm
10 – Dinner Night Out @ Saltlick
14 – LCR’s 25th Anniversary, Bishop Tiemann to visit
Happy Anniversary
10-03
Delores Hill
10-11
Myrtle Thomas
10-03
Chris Nichols
10-11
McKenna Dove
10-06
Estelle Hill
10-13
Jim Vantine
10-08
Gregory Gibson
10-22
Holley Hickman
10-08
Natalie Merkord
10-24
Dalene Pearson
10-09
Susan Hohmann
10-25
Beverly Ladzinski
10-10
Bobbie Ellington
10-26
Carlie Tise
10-20
Matt & Emily Polhemus
CONGRATULATIONS! Note: If we missed your special
day or printed it incorrectly,
please notify the church office…
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
3
10
17
Readers
10:00 Dianne Kilpatrick T Temoney
Dorcy Rhea
Bev Ladzinski
JoAnne Miller
Worship
Assistant
10:00 Lois Hickman
Mike Schliessmann
Colleen Kaye
Shirley
Schliessmann
Acolytes
10:00 Colten Kilpatrick Hannah Raska
Parker Tise
Natalie Merkord
Bella Raska
10:00 M. Schliessmann/ Tripp & Lori
T. Kilpatrick
Temoney
Child Care 10:00 Holley Hickman Madelyn Raska
J. Bradshaw & J.
Ellisor
Pam Longoria
Merkord Family
Emily Merkord
J. Valentine &
H. Mettenbrink
Delayne Leonard
Hospitality 10:00 Angie Rose
Lori Temoney
Joan Mohr
Brenda Moore
JoAnne Miller
Altar Guild 10:00 Shirley
Carol Dierking
Beth Alexander
Bev Ladzinski
Schliessmann &
Rhea
Hollingers
Hollingers
Dirk Dierking
Ushers
24
Schliessmann
Flowers
Schliessmanns
31