Immanuel Messenger
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
300 N. Grimes
Giddings, Texas 78942
August 2015
NEWSLETTER
OUR MISSION
TO BRING CHRIST TO ALL PEOPLE BY PREACHING,
TEACHING, SERVING AND SHARING AS
WE CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE.
GOD WITH US… BRINGING HIM TO OTHERS
“SUPREME” COURT
The past few months have brought about a lot of change in our country and our world.
You can’t watch the news or browse Facebook or any other social media today without seeing
articles, videos or even people’s personal opinions about the ruling from our country’s high
court. How are we to make sense of it all, and how do we live out our faith in the midst of all
the chaos? I believe we must remember what Jesus spoke in the book of John. John 3:16 is one
of the most often quoted verses from the Bible, but we often forget the next verse, John 3:17:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world
through him.” I for one am so glad that I am not condemned. As I have read through many
different articles, most of what I have seen has been condemnation, on both sides. The Church
condemns the court’s ruling, and all those in favor of it condemn the Church. We are criticized
for judging and not being accepting. I have to admit that I myself have fallen into this category.
We look to scripture to condemn behaviors that we do not agree with, but how often do we look
into the scriptures to judge our own behaviors, such as divorce, greed, adultery, covetousness?
It is easy to judge others around us but much more difficult to judge ourselves. Those outside
the Church are not that far off when they call us hypocritical. Jesus’ own words tell us He did
not come to judge but to save. If we are supposed to be His hands and feet here on the earth,
doesn’t that mean we should be sharing the same life-saving grace He gave to His children? I
am in no way saying that we are to condone the behaviors of sinners, as we are all sinners, but
we are to love them as Christ loves them and us. His love was not given just to the righteous
and the religious, but to everyone.
Instead of entering into debates and personal opinion, what if we demonstrated the love
of Christ in how we live? The government is not in the business of teaching moral or civil law;
it is only to put laws in place and to ensure equality, one of our basic legal rights. It is up to the
people, parents, teachers, mentors and Pastors to teach how to live up to the law. God gave us
laws to teach us how to live in a right relationship with Him and with each other. These laws
have not changed since He spoke them but we have watered them down to make them more
comfortable to fit our culture. The leadership at Immanuel has been reading through a book by
Tullian Tchividjian called One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World, and I
personally recommend that everyone read it. There is so much insight and truth in the book, but
I found one part very fitting for today’s struggles: “Christianity is not about good people
getting better. If anything, it is good news for bad people coping with their failure to be good.
The heart of the Christian faith is Good News, not good advice, good technique, or good
behavior.” We are called to live as Christ lives; He did not condemn. Rather He spoke the truth
in love, ate with and cared for the sinner, not the sin. This does not mean He or we condone the
sin, but we love the person God created each of us to be. We have a “Supreme” Court waiting
for us in Heaven, one to which we are accountable as individuals, not as a country, for what we
have done and left undone, thanks to our Lord Jesus that we are forgiven and the debt has been
paid which gives us the freedom to live as His children. All Praise to Him!
Carl Repp, Minister of Youth & Family Life
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES
Please join us at 9:30 AM at one of the following locations for Bible class.
Coffee and refreshments are available in the fellowship hall.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Please join leader Pastor Tiner in the fellowship hall.
SENIOR HIGH BIBLE CLASSES
Art Room (classroom at the top of the stairs in the school building)
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
(In the school building)
At 9:30 AM all Pre-K (three- & four-year olds) meet in Room 141.
Kindergarten through 4th grade join together for opening in Mrs. Zoch’s classroom (Room 116).
The children then go to their appropriate classrooms for Sunday School lessons:
Kindergarten & 1st grade ~ Room 116
2nd - 4th grades ~ Room 115
5th - 8th grades ~ Youth Room
Sunday School dismisses at 10:15 AM; pick up in the school lobby.
Church Nursery – A loving, staffed nursery for children three years old and younger is
available during worship services and Bible Class on Sunday morning. Pagers are provided
to parents when a child is left in the nursery. The nursery is also available during special
worship services and events at the church. To learn more about our nursery or to volunteer
to help our staff care for the little ones, contact Annette Menzel (542-9480). Come to the
north end of the fellowship hall to see our wonderful nursery.
ADDITIONAL BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
The following Bible study groups gather weekly or biweekly in Christ’s name to minister to
one another through fellowship and God’s Word. Small groups build and strengthen lives, families, relationships
and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. We encourage everyone to join a small group!
ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS - A new class will begin soon. Please contact the church office (979/5422918) if you or someone you know has questions about being confirmed in The Lutheran Church - Missouri
Synod.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY - This group meets at 10:00 AM in the small meeting room.
WEDNESDAY NURSING HOME BIBLE STUDIES
9:30 AM – Giddings Residence & Rehabilitation
10:15 AM – Oakland Manor Nursing Center
JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUPS
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH – 6th thru 8th graders meet Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in the Youth Room.
Immanuel Day School students may come to the Youth Room at the close of the school day. This is supervised
time to do homework, study, rest or just hang out with friends. Please watch Sunday bulletin announcements for
upcoming special events.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH – This group meets from 6 - 9 PM on Wednesday evenings in the Youth Room. Please
come join us for fun, fellowship and devotion & prayer time with discussion.
If you would like information on Immanuel Youth groups, please contact Carl Repp, Minister of Youth &
Family Life, at the church office or by phone at (512) 619-9366.
The 2015 Altar Flower Calendar, located in
the entrance of the church, has many
“open” dates! Please sign-up for flowers in
memory or in honor of someone special, or
to the Glory of God.
A Taste of Heaven
Immanuel Lutheran Church Cookbook
Great recipes and makes a great gift! ($10)
WELCOME NEW TEACHERS! We welcome
Joshua Menke, Rachel Miller, and
Brianna Worthing
The congregation is encouraged to bring
a "pound of food" (or a gift card) for
each of these three workers. Baskets are
on the stage in the fellowship hall and
will be presented to the teachers on
Sunday, August 9.
Old Fashioned Grape Salad
by Marcia Albers
1 (8-ounce) container of sour cream
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
½ cup of sugar
2 & ½ pounds seedless grapes
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup pecans, chopped
Combine sour cream, cream cheese and sugar: mix
well. Stir in grapes to coat. Just before serving, sprinkle
with brown sugar and pecans. Makes 10 – 12 servings.
Immanuel Name Tags
Why is it important to wear yours?
New members are given name tags to wear
and everyone is asked to wear theirs so
everyone may become acquainted.
We have been blessed with many new
members this year!
Visitors feel
comfortable getting to know members’
names. They also may wonder why some
members are wearing name tags and others
are not. If you say, “Everyone knows who I
am”, look around and see how many people
you can call by name on Sunday morning.
If you have lost yours, contact the church
office and Denise will be happy to make
you a new one.
Thank you for wearing your name tag!
SENIOR SINGLES FOR JESUS …
On June 14th, this group held a regular meeting. On
July 19th they car-pooled to Sea Land Restaurant in
La Grange for their monthly activity; and they will
hold their next regular meeting at 3:00 PM on
August 9th here at Immanuel. You may call Virginia
McKamie (542-2021) with questions or for
information about Senior Singles for Jesus.
Prayer Warriors Update
It has been a time of blessing and excitement to be able
to start this team!
We have a group of fifteen and have had a number of
prayer requests since we began and God is doing
powerful things as we pray!
If you would like a copy of the monthly prayer calendar
with daily requests or would like to join us in prayer for
those in need, please call or email the church office or
contact leader Lorene Hoffman directly at 979-7161430.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILTING
QUILT-A-THONS will start again on Tuesday, August
25th, 2015, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Immanuel’s
fellowship hall. Everyone can help. No sewing experience
required. You can sit while you tack the quilts. Come when
you can or bring a sack lunch and stay the entire time and
enjoy the fellowship. Keep making the 60” x 80” quilt tops
and 64” x 84” quilt backs to bring to the quilt-a-thon for
tacking. Flat twin sheets are the right size for quilt backs, or
other size gently-used flat sheets can be cut. Donations will
continue to be accepted for supplies (batting) and shipping.
Make your check to Immanuel Lutheran Church and indicate
LWR Quilts.
IMMANUEL DORCAS CIRCLE
invites everyone to come along on
A Journey through the Bible Lands!
Encouragement for Life’s Tough Questions
and Topics
Immanuel provides some wonderful resources
for those needing encouragement or biblical
advice on some of life’s toughest topics.
Check out our new free booklets from Lutheran
Hour Ministries that have been added to the
Project Connect rack located at the entrance to
the fellowship hall.
Read one for yourself or share with someone.
You may also download additional booklets from
www.lhm.org/projectconnect/booklets.asp. The
new booklets on the rack include:

“The BIBLE – What? When? Why?”
Christians read the Bible and talk about it
and study it. They preach and teach about
it. Why is this book so important?

“Why Should I Go to Church? When
you hear the word “church,” how do you
feel? No matter where you are in your
spiritual life, we invite you to discover the
joy you can find in God’s family.

“Now You’re Talking” Because God
dealt with our conflict with Him, we are
able to manage conflict. Discover Biblical
resolutions for conflict and 18 tips to build
stronger relationships.

“Self-Control in an Addictive World”
Addiction may be the greatest mental,
physical, financial and spiritual challenge
to having a joy-filled life.

“Get A Grip!” We all experience a
range of emotions every day – The key is
to identify emotional triggers and moodbusters. This booklet provides strategies
for managing moodiness.
When: Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Fellowship Hall
This excursion will be led by
Dave & Glorianne Schwausch, who
traveled to
Rome, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus,
Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee
last October.
Please come and bring a friend!
Congratulations & God’s
Blessings to our 2015 Graduates!




TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Jennifer Frosch – Master of Education & Special Education Degree (May 15, 2015)
Marissa Rhea Jenke – Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with Magna Cum Laude
honors, Health Science Center (May 8, 2015); employed as a Registered Nurse at
Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple now
Ethan Cole Wachsmann – Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management & Minor in
Business & Economics, with Magna Cum Laude honors (May 15, 2015)
Eva Sierra Mikulin Zimmerman – Bachelor of Science Degree (double major in
Biomedical Science & Chemistry, with Cum Laude honors - Corpus Christi Campus
(May, 2015); employed in Houston now
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN
Joshua Walther – Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health with high honors
(December 2014); entering University of Texas Health Science Center medical school,
San Antonio in July 2015
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Ryan Schkade – Bachelor Degree from McCoy College of Business Administration
(December 2014); employed at Hastings in San Marcos now
GIDDINGS HIGH SCHOOL - Diplomas awarded June 5, 2015
Rebecca Blakney (will attend Wharton County Junior College with a volleyball
scholarship); Cody Boethel; Alex Chumley (will attend Texas State Technical College in
Waco); Aaron Fritsche (will attend Sam Houston State University in Huntsville); Kaitlyn
Janda (will attend Blinn College in College Station); Jacob Karisch-“Top 10” (will attend
TX A&M University in College Station); Jacob Mersiovsky; Trent Mittasch; Kayla Parker;
Nicholas Parker; Ryan Saenger; Mikayla Schatte; Mark Schimank (will attend Blinn
College in College Station to major in Web Administration); Sydney Smith (will attend
Texas State University in San Marcos); and Ryan Walther-“Top 10” (will attend Texas
State University to major in Accounting)
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, ROUND ROCK - Diploma awarded June 5, 2015
Mikayla Mutscher-Cum Laude (will attend University of Texas in Austin to major in
Neuro-Science)
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN EACH OF YOUR ENDEAVORS!
A new, 14-week session will begin on
August 20th, at 6:00 PM
in the school library.
GriefShare begins a new 14-week series this month, on August 20th and will meet weekly every Thursday
evening from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Immanuel Lutheran School library. This is a biblical, Christcentered program focusing on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one, with the topics listed as
follows:
Session 1
August 20
Is This Normal?
Session 2
August 27
Challenges of Grief
Session 3
September 3
The Journey of Grief – Part One
Session 4
September 10
The Journey of Grief – Part Two
Session 5
September 17
Grief and Your Relationships
Session 6
September 24
Why?
Session 7
October 1
Guilt and Anger
Session 8
October 8
Complicating Factors
Session 9
October 15
Stuck
Session 10
October 22
Lessons of Grief – Part One
Session 11
October 29
Lessons of Grief – Part Two
Session 12
November 5
Heaven
Session 13
November 13
What Do I Live for Now?
Session 14
November 19
Celebration
You will find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other
family member or friend. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be
around people who understand what you are feeling. Please call Kathy Bartels at (512) 461-5442 if you have
questions or want more information.
Jr. High Back to School Lock-In
Austin’s Park N Pizza - August 28 – 29
(6th – 8th Grade)
Ministry Team Leader Meeting
Monday, August 10 at 7 PM in the
fellowship hall.
Please
contact
Christie
Mitschke,
Immanuel’s Ministry Coordinatior for more
information about this meeting or areas
where you may serve in ministry here at
Immanuel.
All ministry Team Leaders are asked to
attend this important planning meeting!
Christie Mitschke: 979-540-9989
Cost: $40 – Includes unlimited pizza and pasta buffet
from 12 AM – 2 PM, drinks, unlimited Mini golf, bumper
boats, go-karts, laser tag, and climbing wall. Hundreds
of video games and each student will receive a $5 game
card that can be reloaded, along with pool and air
hockey! Batting cages ($1 for 20 pitches)
Parent Chaperones are needed! (Parents have been
known to have just as much fun as the kids!)
Meet at 8 PM at Immanuel (Bus will return to
Immanuel at 7 AM Saturday).
Permission forms and money must be turned in to
the church office by 5 PM on August 20th to attend!
CONTINUED PRAYER LIST
Please keep these individuals in your prayers throughout the month.
Expectant mothers: Marcela Hill
Struggling with cancer: Norman Berger, Mindy Borchers (wife of Pastor Eric Borchers of Austin), Dr. Tom
Cedel (President of Concordia University Texas), Mary Deal (mother of Daina Mitschke), Rudy Delgado (friend of
James Medack), Lisa Ebner (friend of Kenny & Debbie Perry); Betty Farrack, Ruth Faske, Charles Gault, Barbara
Hallmark (aunt of Christi Mitschke), Derek Havelka & Mary Havelka (friends of Oscar & Texene Placke),
Herman Hobratschk, Cindy Hogan (friend of Clyde & Penny Zoch), Carol Hohle, Ruth Jatzlau, Gordon Jenke,
Mike Joyce (grandson of Anna Joyce), Debra Koenig (daughter-in-law of Ivadelle Koenig) & Doug Dretke
(Debra Koenig’s brother), Lavine Kuhlmann, Irene Moerbe, Mary Mutschink, Arvella Polka (friend of Herbert
& Dorothy Cook), Bill Quarles (brother-in-law of Tom & Connie Jones), Connie Reed (sister of Gerald
Birkelbach), Marilyn Schmidt, Phyllis Simmonds (mother of Cody & Russell Urban), Allison Tangeman (friend
of Josh & Gina Christensen), Karen Taylor (friend of Rebecca Byars), Ted Tonn (brother -in-law of Elaine
Krause), and Reinhold Urban (Henry Urban’s brother)
In nursing centers: Ruth Bethke (sister-in-law of Delores Billig), Charles Burrier, Ruth Doering, Dorothy
Droemer, Elsie Fischer, Anton & Floris Fischer, Rubie Galipp, Bob Hofferek, Larry Jenke (father o f Dawn
Faske, Crystal Smith and Amber Hill), Kenneth Kilian, Lorine Kurio, James Meinke (father of Paul Meinke),
Diane (Mrs. E.J.) Mitschke, Irene Moerbe, John Moerbe Sr., Elvie Jean Mutschink, Betty Pratho, Lorine Proske,
Susie Proske, Gladys Saegert, Lorine Sump, Nathan Wachsmann, and Frieda Wernecke
Shut-ins: Monroe Bieberstein, Frances Etzel, Leah Faske, Coleen Gaeke, Evelyn Gersch, Ruth Handrick,
Herman Hobratschk, Rosalie Hohle, Elsie Kipp, Ivadelle Koenig, Kathy Michalk, Sophi e Pampell, Dorothy
Raschke, Travis Rust, Lorenz Schimank, Florine Schulze, Ellen Schneider, Mamie Seeman, Mary Ann Seidler,
and Adelia Zoch
In need of continued prayers: Meta Baker (sister of Frances Etzel), Calvin Berger, Erland & Sandy Carlson
(brother & sister-in-law of Leann & Mark McClain), Jacob Doggett, Doug Etzel (son of Frances Etzel), Pastor
Russell & wife Elizabeth Etzel of Houston (son & daughter-in-law of Frances Etzel), Logan Faske (grandson of
Leroy & Madeline Faske), Mildred Janda (mother of Steve Janda), Lydia Lehmann Haley (grandmother of
Jaime Manning & Casey Smith), Sherri Hendricks (aunt of Gina Mersiovsky & Heather Mersiovsky), Corbitt Hill,
Rosalie Hohle, Tom Jones, Elaine Krause, Robert Kuehn, Michael Lehmann (great -nephew of Frances Etzel),
Doyle Looney (son of Connie & Tom Jones), Buddy Lorenz, Billy Machen (step-father of Alan Smith), Joanne
Machen (mother of Alan Smith), Buck Marshall (friend of Tom & Connie Jones), Sylvin Mersiovsky, Katherine
Michalk, Edward Pampell, Garret Pounders (great-nephew of Ken & Lisa Schatte), Pastor Bill Qualman (Mt.
Calvary in LaGrange), Joe Raif (brother of Phyllis Greenwood and uncle of Gina Mersiovsky & Heather
Mersiovsky), Kervin Reuter, Keith Ryder (brother-in-law of Tom & Tammie Shugart), Thelma Schatte, Cheryle
Schroeder (sister-in-law of Alice Unger), Casey Smith, Kim Smith (niece of Dave & Glorianne Schwausch),
Rebecca Stone, Curtis Urban, Joy Wachsmann; and Paul Barrett, Diane Castillo, Kimberly McKee, Michael
[Julie’s brother], Roni Perez, Crystal Widener, John West & George Goidi (friends, cousin and nephew of Josh
& Gina Christensen)
Military Members and their families: Cynthia Anderson (wife of Ray Proske), Fort Hood-Killeen, TX;
William Aysmith (cousin of Rebecca Byars), Iraq; Taylor Blakney, Okinawa, Japan; JEB Bolen; Shaun
Breckenridge (great-nephew of Frances Etzel); Jacob Derouen (husband of Amanda [Faske] Derouen); Fort
Bliss-El Paso, TX; Ashley Ford (niece of Tom & Tammie Shugart), Meridian, MS; John Foster (broth er of
Molly and Kiley Harville), Wichita Falls, TX; Kevin Gonzalez (son of Vicente & Nellie Gonzalez), NC;
Andrew Hightower (husband of Shella [Schulze] Hightower), Malasia; Wilhelmina [Bolen] Jarvis, Afghanistan;
Courtney [Medack] King & husband Brandon King, Ocean Spring, MS; Ryan Marshall (husband of Dawn
[Christiansen] Marshall), Germany; Toby Mendoza, Giddings, TX; Steve Newlund; Daniel B. Pogue, Fort Lee,
VA; Chase Polson, Fort Hood, TX; Steve Reitz, Fort Meade, MD; David Schatte; Ronald Schatte, Lan dstuhl,
Germany; Justin Smith, Egypt; Pete Stewart (husband of Susie [Medack] Stewart), Fairchild AFB, WA; and
Shannon Zoch, Monterey, CA.
MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS
FOR MAY & JUNE & JULY, 2015
CHRIST OUR CORNERSTONE
In memory of Mildred Berger by Herman & Eunice Hobratschk
In memory of Reverend James R. Gast by Alice Unger
In memory of Eddie Zoch by Violet Frosch
In memory of Arthur Joyce by Anna Joyce
HOME BUDGET
In memory of Erwin Schulze by Mark & Tricia Krugler
BUILDING FUND
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Shirley Fischer, Steven & Margaret Rackel, Ricky & Georgia Rackel, Jimmie &
Karen Luecke, Brenda M. Kasper, Otis & Doris Meyer, Mr. & Mrs. Douglas J. Rackel, and Wayne & Karen Rackel
In memory of Bernice Winkler, Otto Becker, Jr., and John Foerster by Robert & Louise Grimm
REPAIR & REFURBISH FUND
In memory of Martin Menzel by Paul, Dana, Hannah & Grayson Kipp
In memory of Arthur Joyce by Anna Joyce (pews)
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Joyce Kuehn and Robert & Jacqueline Kuehn and Family
In memory of Willie Hobratschk by Gertrude Hobratschk
In memory of Elton & Rosalind Zoch & Bob Kemp by Gwen Zoch Kemp & Kelley Kemp McDermott (pews)
In memory of Willie Hobratschk by Gertrude Hobratschk (pews)
COVERED ENTRYWAY
In memory of Lorine Domaschk by her family
In memory of Steven Keng by Ivadelle Koenig
HANDBELL RESTORATION
In memory of Aunt Maudie Hasley and Mildred Berger by Jo Ann & C.L. Painter
In honor of Marie Patschke’s 91st birthday and Melvin Houston’s 84th birthday by George & Virginia Hernandez
ADULT PRAISE TEAM
In memory of Steven Keng by Gene & Karen Urban
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
In memory of Henry A. Kipp and Mildred Berger by Paul, Dana, Hannah & Grayson Kipp
BRAILLE WORK CENTER #163
In memory of Lois Nitsch and Steven Keng by William & Mary Lou Gaeke
SUNDAY SCHOOL
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Jimmie & Melissa Lehmann
LADIES AID
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Richard & Alice Unger, and Leroy & Carol Hohle
In memory of Mildred Berger by Carol Green
In memory of Eddie Zoch by John & Elaine Haynes
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL (ILS) UNDESIGNATED GIFTS
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Alvin & Ruth Beisert
ILS SCHOLARSHIPS
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Vernelle Zoch
In memory of Andrea Wachsmann, Mildred Berger and Bernice Winkler by Ladies Aid
Continued on next page …
Continued from previous page …
ILS MATTHIJETZ CHILDREN TUITION ASSISTANCE
In honor of Myron & Dieanna Kieschnick’s 50th anniversary by Clarence & Ruth Jatzlau
In memory of Johnny Tonn by Clarence & Ruth Jatzlau
In memory of Michael Matthijetz and Erwin Schulze by LeRoy & Mildred Wachsmann
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
In memory of Bernice Winkler by Alton & Marie Patschke, and Jessie Knight
In memory of Patsy Smothermon by Ruby Maass
MISSIONS
In memory of Harry Goldberg by Paul, Dana, Hannah & Grayson Kipp
PORTALS OF PRAYER
In memory of our fathers, Delbert Gersch & Vernon Urban, and our uncles, Walter Gersch, Earl Sandoz & Arthur
Zoch, by Karen & Gene Urban and Family
2015 VBS
Glory Bound Update
Glory Bound was a life changing experience for
many of the youth and adult leaders. Nine others
from two different churches joined Immanuel’s team
of thirteen. We served in the community, listened to
great speakers, and enjoyed amazing music and
entertainment.
VBS was an amazing success! We had 213
kids attend.
We laughed, sang, played
games, tried new experiments, ate some
delicious snacks, and we even caused an
avalanche! But most importantly we learned
about God’s Mighty Power!
None of this would have been possible if not
for the energy and hours put in by our
amazing volunteers!
Thank you for supporting our many fundraisers
which enabled us to participate in this great event!
We are already making plans to attend the National
Youth Gathering in New Orleans next July in addition
to serving on a mission trip to Camp Restore while we
are there.
Thank you for all of your amazing support of
Immanuel’s Youth!
Words cannot express my deep gratitude for
all the faithful service of our volunteers this
week! They truly were the hands, feet, ears
and eyes of Christ to everyone who
participated.
Thank you also to everyone who donated the
many, many supplies and monetary
donations that made this event possible.
God’s continued blessings to each one of
you!
VBS Director Carl Repp
Thank you to everyone who
donated desserts for the Camp Lone
Star BBQ Fundraiser on July 26.
Immanuel’s support of Camp Lone
Star is greatly appreciated!
IN LOVING MEMORY …
BERNICE EVELYN BEISERT WINKLER was born on October 4, 1926 in Loebau, TX to Oscar Herman Beisert and
Amanda Alma (Kasper) Beisert. She was baptized on October 17, 1926 by Rev. C. Durow at Christ Lutheran Church in
Loebau. She attended the Lutheran school and was confirmed on April 2, 1939 by Rev. H.O. Hartfield. Her confirmation
verse was Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” She was united in marriage to
Erwin Winkler on July 18, 1948 at Christ Lutheran Church by Rev. H.O. Hartfield. Their marriage was blessed by four
children – Helen, Nora, Alice and Daniel. She was a hard worker being a dedicated wife and a stay-at-home mom. She
was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Erwin; her parents, Oscar & Amanda Beisert; parents-in-law, Ludwig
& Ottile Winkler; one sister & brother-in-law, Florine & William Rackel; brother & sister-in-law, Marvin & Betty
Beisert; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Rackel, James Knight, Raymond Fischer, George Kieschnick and Robert “Jim”
Kuehn; sister-in-law, Ruby Pillack & husband Raymond, and son-in-law, Clarence Proske. Bernice is survived by her
three daughters, Helen Mitschke & husband Edwin of Loebau, Nora Proske of Giddings, Alice Goerlitz & husband Ernie
of Giddings; her son, Daniel Winkler of Giddings; seven grandchildren, Lori Markert & husband Greg of Giddings, Brian
Mitschke & wife Sherry of Dime Box, Diane Johnson & husband Steve of Deanville, Jason Mitschke & Sabrina
Magallanes of Caldwell, Dyan Proske of Giddings, Janet Zapalac & husband James of Burton and Patty Goerlitz of
Burton; nine great-grandchildren, Christi Pitts & husband Steve of Giddings, Kayla Markert of Giddings, Amy Markert of
College Station, Todd Sump of Giddings, Sara Sump of Caldwell, Kylie Johnson of Caldwell, Jenna Johnson of Caldwell,
Benjamin Zapalac of Burton and Presley Mitschke of Caldwell; five great-great-grandchildren, Bayley & Daylin Pitts of
Giddings, Aiden & Chloe Sump of Giddings and Laci Batiste of Caldwell; four sisters, Lizzy Rackel of Loebau, Jessie
Knight of Giddings, Shirley Fischer of Ledbetter and Joyce Kuehn of Giddings; sister-in-law, Edna Kieschnick of Lincoln
as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Bernice passed away on May 31, 2015 at her
home in Giddings. Her funeral was held on June 4th with Pastor Robert Tiner officiating; and burial followed in the
Giddings City Cemetery.
ERWIN WILLIAM SCHULZE was born on January 16, 1933 in Loebau, Texas to Carl Wilhelm Schulze and Hulda
Dora (Sander) Schulze. He was baptized on January 17, 1933 at Christ Lutheran Church in Loebau by Rev. Carl Durow
and confirmed on March 30, 1947 at Christ Lutheran Church by Rev. Herbert Hartfield. His confirmation verse was 1
Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners; of whom I am chief." Erwin was united in marriage to Florine Meyer on June 2, 1956 at Martin Luther Lutheran
Church in Giddings by Rev. Fred Mgebroff. Their union was blessed with two children, Carolyn and Steven. Erwin &
Florine moved to Houston shortly after their marriage where Erwin was employed as a sheetrocker before working as a
security guard with Humble Oil Company. Eventually, Erwin & Florine both went to work as custodians with Spring
I.S.D. They moved back to Giddings in 1982 and Erwin went to work in the maintenance department at the Lee County
Courthouse. He worked for Lee County for nearly 13 years when he retired in 1995. Erwin also served as the custodian
for the Lee County Appraisal District for 23 years, Bobby Lehmann Trucking for 15 years and Newman & Keng Paving
for several years. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, the Sons of Hermann Lodge #151
in Round Top and an active supporter of the Lee County Junior Livestock Show. Erwin enjoyed working with his cattle,
gardening, hunting and fishing, and cooking outdoors for family gatherings. He and Florine enjoyed taking care of
children in their home for 32 years. They became "Grandpa & Grandma Schulze" to each of the ones they kept and would
all pile on his lap at the same time when he got home from work. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Hulda
Schulze; his son, Steven "Bluebell" Schulze; his parents-in-law, Alvin & Mary Meyer; his brother and sister-in-law,
Alfred & Lydia Schulze; his sister and brother-in-law, Amanda & Fritz Schroeder and his brother-in-law, Bob Dobbler.
Erwin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Florine Schulze of Giddings; his daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn & Larry
Wachsmann of Lincoln; two grandchildren, Stephanie Winkelmann & her husband Ryan of Burton, and Randy
Wachsmann & his fiancée Megan Maass of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren, Dalton & Mallory Winkelmann of Burton;
two sisters, Gertrude Dobbler of Derby, Kansas and Esther Urban of Giddings; three brothers, Herbert Schulze & his wife
Lorrine of Houston, Lawrence Schulze & his wife Terry of Houston, and Leroy Schulze & his wife, Myrna of Garland;
brother-in-law, Otis Meyer & his wife, Doris of Giddings; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Erwin passed away
on July 8, 2015 at the Giddings Residence & Rehabilitation Center. Pastor Robert Tiner officiated his funeral on July 13th
and burial followed in the Giddings City Cemetery.
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Immanuel Lutheran Church
300 N. Grimes St.
Giddings, Texas 78942
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Bringing Him to Others
CHURCH OFFICE
300 N. Grimes, Giddings, TX 78942
Phone #979-542-2918
Fax #979-542-0348
SCHOOL OFFICE
382 N. Grimes
Phone #979-542-3319
Fax #979-542-9084
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
179 E. Brenham
Phone #979-542-4244
ONLINE:
www.immanuelgiddings.net
Email: immanuel@immanuelgiddings.net
Facebook Group: “Immanuel Lutheran Church
Giddings”