Immanuel Messenger
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
300 N. Grimes
Giddings, Texas 78942
January 2016
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
Happy New Day!
Happy and blessed New Year to you as we greet 2016. My prayer for you is that God would richly
grant you His blessings, increasing your faith, hope, and love of Jesus. Each year many people go
through the ritual of making New Year’s resolutions. Some people are serious about their resolutions,
for others they’re simply conversation pieces. The range of resolutions is great; increased Bible study,
more time at worship, eat better, workout more, the list goes on and on. Unfortunately most New
Year’s resolutions, for one reason or another, fail. We often start with the best of intentions, but bad
habits can be hard to break, good new habits are just as hard to start. When the resolutions fail, some
will shrug it off, others react a bit stronger upset at their own lack of will power to make
improvements in their lives.
To those feeling of frustration and disappointment our Lord reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17,
that “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Romans 6 points to your baptism. V3-4, “Don’t you
know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore
buried with Him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
So while we may be frustrated with our annual failures of making and keeping new resolutions,
we have the promise that by God’s actions we have been made new. Let this good news be a daily
reminder of God’s promises as you turn away from your sinful thoughts and actions in repentance
and receive God’s forgiveness as His grace is poured out on you. With that daily remembrance of all
that God has done, your faith, trust, and love in God will continue to be strengthened by His spirit.
“ You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and by the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 6:11
Pastor Tiner
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES
Please join us at 9:15 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 CLASS
Upper room of the fellowship hall
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
(In the school building)
Sunday school dismisses at 10:15 AM; pick up in the school lobby.
Pre-K (three & four year olds) meet in Room 141
Kindergarten through 3rd grade join together for opening in Mrs. Zoch’s classroom (Room 116).
The children will then go to the following classrooms for Sunday school lessons:
Kindergarten & 1st grade ~ Room 116
2nd & 3rd grades ~ Room 115
4th, 5th & 6th grades ~ Library
7th & 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/NEW MEMBERS CLASS – Please contact the church office (979/542-2918) if you
or someone you know has questions about becoming a member or being confirmed in The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY - This group meets at 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall 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
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.
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH – 6th thru 8th graders meet Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15 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.
A Taste of Heaven
Immanuel Lutheran Church Cookbook
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
QUILT-A-THON
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 9:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Immanuel Fellowship Hall
Great recipes and makes a great gift! ($10)
CANDIED GRAHAM CRACKERS
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. margarine
1 c. pecans
1 pkg. graham crackers
Cook sugar, margarine and pecans for 10 minutes.
Spread on graham crackers on foil-lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
Many hands are needed to tack and sew the quilts to be
shipped on the Monday after Easter. Please come on the
fourth Tuesday in January to help. There is a great need in
the refugee camps, disaster areas and hospitals for the poor
throughout the world. Come when you can or bring a sack
lunch and stay the entire time. You can sit while you tack.
You may also make completed 60” x 80” quilts at home to
donate. Do not use Christian or patriotic materials or
symbols when making the quilts. Donations may also be
made to help pay shipping costs. Checks should be made
to Immanuel Lutheran Church and indicate LWR
Quilts.
WE NEED YOUR USED POSTAGE STAMPS!
Monday Morning Bible Study
(LifeLight Series)
This study will resume on Monday, January 11,
2016 at 10 AM in the small meeting room. Using
the LifeLight series, this study will be on the book
of Revelation.
The Wednesday LifeLight study will not meet in the
spring but will join with the Monday study instead.
Please call the church office with any questions at
979-542-2918.
Braille Work Center #163
Volunteers are needed at our Braille Work
Center. The center at Immanuel has been in
operation since 1984, with 10 groups of 6–8
individuals from Immanuel and neighboring
congregations meeting two hours per month.
There are daytime and evening groups. (You
are not required to read Braille). To volunteer
to join a group or to serve as a substitute when
needed, please call Alice Unger at 542-1474.
Immanuel’s LWML collects postage stamps to
support Lutheran World Relief’s Quilt & Kit
Shipping Fund, which provides funding for
shipping supplies to those in need around the
world.
Please save all cancelled stamps. Higher value,
foreign and commemorative stamps (honoring an
individual, event or thing) are especially valuable.
Stamps need not be trimmed or removed from
the envelopes, but if you care to prepare them,
please trim stamps from envelopes with at least
¼” around the stamp. The perforation is the most
important aspect of the stamp and should not be
cut, torn, or altered in any way.
Ask neighbors, relatives, friends & co-workers
to join you in saving stamps for the “Lutheran
World Relief Stamporee”. Collection boxes can be
found in the church kitchen, fellowship hall and
narthex.
PRAYER WARRIORS
Need help in the yard or around the house? Give
Carl Repp a call. The youth will come and work
hard for you! (512-619-9366)
***CAN COLLECTION – We raise about $50 - $60 a
month from collecting cans. Thanks to all those who
bring us cans every month!
National
Youth
Gathering
Donations of 12-PACK
sodas
are needed!
They
are used for fundraisers
andSchoolers
concessions
stands.
for High
- July
2016 …Register ASAP!
With the simple turning of a calendar page, a new
year begins. With all the New Year’s resolutions
that we as humans make, we don’t know what the
next year will bring. But one thing is for certain:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and
forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Immanuel’s Prayer Warriors are there to pray
with and for you. Our prayer for you in the coming
year is that all of you “Draw near to God and He
will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
If you would like a monthly prayer target calendar or
have comments, prayer requests or need someone to
pay with you, call Lorene Hoffman at (979) 716-1430.
We have a team of sixteen Prayer Warriors
waiting to pray for you.
High School Youth
Wednesdays from 6pm – 9pm in the youth
room
High School Bible Class
Sundays at 9:15 AM
In the upper room of the fellowship hall
2016 Confirmands
JOIN US!
Jr. High Youth – NEWS!
We are in need of parent help during Jr. High Youth on
Wednesday evenings, from 4:30 – 5:15 pm. This does not
have to be a weekly commitment...even once a month would
help! We are also wanting to organize a Jr. High Youth
Ministry Team. Please prayerfully consider being a part of
this important and exciting team! We need you! Please
contact Carl Repp or Tammy Simon if you can help out!
------------------------------------------------------------------YOUTH QUAKE is coming! Thank you for your
support of our Jr. High youth so they can attend this
transformational weekend!
SAN ANTONIO
YOUTHQUAKE
San Antonio, TX —
February 26 - 28, 2016
A transformational weekend for grades
6-9 where lives will be renewed and
faith will become real!
Second Year Confirmation
Student/Parent Meeting
Monday, February 1, 2016 at
6:30 PM in the fellowship hall
This will be a very important meeting to
schedule oral exams and make plans for
Confirmation Sunday. All students who
will be confirmed need to attend along with
a parent. We will also have information on
the upcoming confirmation review retreat
at Camp Lone Star March 4 – 6, 2016.
Bring your calendars!
ALTAR FLOWERS
Immanuel Lutheran Church Senior Singles for Jesus
will have their regular meeting on Sunday, January 10th at
3:00 PM in the fellowship hall. There will be dominoes and
games, followed by a pot-luck meal, short meeting and a
devotion.
Our group had a great time at our December outing in
Brenham. Over twenty (20) people attended the festivities.
All Senior Singles are invited to come and meet with us.
Please call Virginia McKamie (979/542-2021) for more
information.
GriefShare will begin another 14-week series, and will meet weekly
every Thursday evening from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Immanuel
Lutheran School library. This is a biblical, Christ-centered program
focusing on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one, as
listed below for the first 6 weeks:
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25
Is This Normal?
Challenges of Grief
The Journey of Grief – Part One
The Journey of Grief – Part Two
Grief and Your Relationships
Why?
The 2016 Flower Chart is on the wall in
the Narthex. Please consider signing-up
to provide altar flowers to the glory of
God in remembrance or in honor of a
loved one, or to celebrate a and special
day while adding beauty to our church
sanctuary.
2016 Calendars:
The youth are selling beautiful wall calendars
for $8.00. All proceeds will help send the
youth to the National Youth Gathering (NYG)
this summer! Calendars are available in the
church office. Thank you for supporting
the youth!
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.
2015 Mission Pledge
The TX-Dist. Board of Directors and the Board of Mission Administration carefully manage the financial gifts
our congregation makes to the district and synod. Nearly 73% of every dollar that is given through your
commitment is used directly for mission work in the district and the synod. Just over 19% of your gifts are
used to provide important support services to Texas congregations.
A 2015 Budget Summary detailing where our mission giving pledges are being used is available in the
narthex.
Immanuel is approx. $30,000 short of reaching its 2015 mission pledge of $75,000.
Immanuel’s partnership with the District is helping to bring Jesus to others through the work of more than
100 missionaries. Immanuel’s mission gifts are being used in a powerful way for His kingdom!
Join us December 31, 2015 at 7pm for a special service with communion!
Welcome 2016! May God bless your New Year!
OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2016
Please stop by the fellowship hall to pick up
your box of 2016 offering envelopes.
Please call the church office with any changes of
address or phone.
2016 TODAY’S LIGHT Bible Study Books
These books are available at no charge. This
study runs from January through March and
covers Genesis through Numbers. The Monday
morning Bible Study group that previously used
them will be using a different study beginning
January 11th, so the TODAY’S LIGHT books will
not be used and are available. If an individual or
group would like to continue the study past March
and throughout the year, contact Concordia
Publishing House for information about the yearly
subscription. Books are available in the Narthex
or in the church office. Please call the church
office (542-2918) with any questions.
New members were received by Adult
Confirmation, Reaffirmation of Faith and
Church transfer on November 29, 2015.
We welcome our new members to the
Immanuel Church family!
Jeremy & Kerry Brown; Kala Krumnow;
Jennifer Lippert and children, Brandon & Adam;
Katelyn Maass; Alyssa Vargas; Theresa Jenke;
Kristina Pestana and children, Maluhia & Hamana;
Nelson & Mary Sue Zoch
Have you ever considered being a pastor or deaconess?
If so, Rev. Michael Redecker from Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis would like to meet with you on
Thursday, January 21st from 9 AM – 1 PM in the
Church office conference room. Rev. Redeker is
interested in meeting with prospective students of all
ages, elementary school through adults, who are already
employed in another vocation.
Conferences are individual, informal, and family and
friends are welcome. Reservations are not necessary,
but strongly encouraged. If you are interested in
scheduling a specific conference time, please call Rev.
Redeker at
314-505-7225 or email him at
redekerm@csl.edu to set up an appointment.
2016
Leadership Training on Saturday, January 9,
2016 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM in the fellowship
hall. All Church officers, Elders, Ministry Team
Leaders and the Immanuel staff leadership
team will have leadership training and
orientation. Attire is casual and breakfast will
be served.
Church Officer and Elder Installation on
Sunday, January 10, 2016 in both services. –
All of our Church Council Officers and Elders
will be installed. We recognize these men and
woman with a thankful heart and pray God’s
many blessings over their time of service to our
congregation.
Thanks to everyone who came out
and made the Lavender and Lace Salad Supper a very special evening!
Jan Brunette, LWML District Vice President of Christian Growth, was the Guest Speaker. She spoke on how
our lives are like LACE, woven together by God.
Hosted by the Immanuel Women’s
Ministries, was held Sunday,
November 8, 2015.
It was an evening of fellowship
and fun and was enjoyed by over
75 ladies!
CONTINUED PRAYER LIST
Please keep these individuals in your prayers throughout the month.
Struggling with cancer: Angie Becker (cousin of Peggy Berry), Norman Berger, Mindy Borchers (wife of
Pastor Eric Borchers of Austin), Dr. Tom Cedel (President of Concordia University Texas), Rudy Delgado
(friend of James Medack), Lisa Ebner (friend of Kenny & Debbie Perry); Betty Farrack, Ruth Faske, Charles
Gault, Derek Havelka & Mary Havelka (friends of Oscar & Texene Placke), Herman Hobratschk, Cindy
Hogan (friend of Clyde & Penny Zoch), Ruth Jatzlau, Kathy Joyce (cousin of Gina Christensen), Mike Joyce
(grandson of Anna Joyce), Debra Koenig (daughter-in-law of Ivadelle Koenig), Brice and Lavine Kuhlmann,
Betty Michalk, 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), Stephen
Reynolds (son of Ann Kipp), Louis Sander (brother of Alvina Koslan), 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 (brother of
Henry Urban)
Assisted Living: Betty Pratho
In nursing centers: Charles Burrier, Ruth Doering, Dorothy Droemer, Alice Fischer, Elsie Fischer, Floris
Fischer, Rubie Galipp, Bob Hofferek, Melvin Houston, Larry Jenke (father of Dawn Faske, Crystal Smith
and Amber Hill), Kenneth Kilian, Lorine Kurio, James Meinke (father of Paul Meinke), Diane (Mrs. E.J.)
Mitschke, Irene Moerbe, Elvie Jean Mutschink, Lorine Proske, Susie Proske, Gladys Saegert, Florine
Schulze, Nathan Wachsmann, and Frieda Wernecke
Shut-ins: Frances Etzel, Leah Faske, Coleen Gaeke, Evelyn Gersch, Herman Hobratschk, Rosalie Hohle,
Elsie Kipp, Sophie Pampell, Dorothy Raschke, Travis Rust, 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), Pastor Russell & wife Elizabeth Etzel of
Houston (son & daughter-in-law of Frances Etzel), Logan Faske (grandson of Leroy & Madeline Faske),
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), Billy
Machen (step-father of Alan Smith), Joanne Machen (mother of Alan Smith), Buck Marshall (friend of Tom
& Connie Jones), Sylvin Mersiovsky, Edward Pampell, Garret Pounders (great-nephew of Ken & Lisa
Schatte), 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, 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;
Taylor Blakney, Okinawa, Japan; JEB Bolen; Shaun Breckenridge (great-nephew of Frances Etzel); Jacob
Derouen (husband of Amanda [Faske] Derouen), Biloxi, MS; Ashley Ford (niece of Tom & Tammie
Shugart), Meridian, MS; John Foster (brother 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, Landstuhl, Germany; Justin Smith, Egypt; Pete
Stewart (husband of Susie [Medack] Stewart), Fairchild AFB, WA; and Shannon Zoch
MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS
FOR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, 2015
HOME BUDGET
In honor of all present military men & women and in memory of all that have passed by Dawn Faske
In memory of Mildred Janda by Gertrude Lorenz
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Thelma Schatte, Milton & Twila Tate, Camille Perry, and Jerry Varnado
In memory of Herbert P. & Marie A. Jenke by Corbitt & Amber Hill
In memory of Charline Frank by Kenneth Frank
CHRIST OUR CORNERSTONE
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Richard & Alice Unger
BUILDING FUND
In memory of Erwin Neitsch, Lydia Neitsch and Minnie Neitsch by Norman & Ruby Neitsch
REPAIR & REFURBISH FUND
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Hays & Helen Perry, Larry & Debbie Lehmann, Floyd Kasper, Irene Kasper,
Marjorie Lunsford, Waldeen Moerbe, Peggy Siegeler & Kim Moerbe, Steven & Tammy Lehmann, Otis & Doris Meyer,
John & Eunice Siegmund, Leon & Dorothy Westfall, Paul & Jolene Fischer, George & Virginia Hernandez, Gene &
Kathy Bartels, Thelma Kieschnick, Dennis Kappler, Harold & Ruby Kutschke, Lee & Sara Fazzino, Jim & Judy Melcher,
Ralph & Linda Mutscher, Charles & Margaret Mersiovsky & Family, A.J. & Barbara Wuneburger, Ray & Kathy
Walther, Martin & Julie Schubert, Carl & Connie Rost, Mark & Tricia Krugler, Henry & Jeanette Jost, Nolan, Tanya &
Katelynn Jacob, Denee Ludke, Stephen Talley, Nolan Jacob, David Minean, St. Mark’s Medical Center, Lillian Pietsch,
Giddings Study Club, Roy & Ruth Ann Marshall, James & Stefanie Medack, Allan & Eunice Hendrickson, Curtis &
Rhonda Fischer and Alice Fischer, Margie Wendland, Eugene & Rose Fritsche, , Edwin & Shirley Kissmann, Troy &
Marna Stepan and Marcus & Katherine Kissmann, Stephen & Heather Mersiovsky, Siegeler Insurance Agency, Inc., Bob
& Mary Mutschink, John Smith, Inez Weiss, J. Randy & Virginia Bassett, Dennis, Rhonda, Jason & Brian Iselt, Ronnie
& Carol Ehrlund, Gladys Jaeger, and Leroy & Sandra Grimm
In memory of Terri Lynn Joyce by Della Markert
In memory of Mildred Janda, Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz, Marly Heine and Terri Lynn Joyce by Robert & Shirley
Alexander
In memory of Jim Hunt and Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by James & Carolyn Mitschke
In memory of Anton Fischer and Terri Lynn Joyce by James & Stefanie Medack
In memory of Milburn Jenke, Andrew Boriack and Jeremy Gold by Annie Jenke
In memory of Kyle & Marilyn Spence and Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Garry & Leonita Sanders & Family
COVERED ENTRYWAY
In memory of Joyce Ford by Larry & Debbie Lehmann
In memory of Mildred Janda by Raph & Linda Mutscher
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Elaine Krause, Curtis & Mary Ann Frosch, Tommy & Flora Fischer, and
Cecil & Margaret Walther
In memory of Helen Smith by Herbert & Dorothy Cook
In memory of Lorine Domaschk by Carol Green
CHRISTIAN CARE MINISTRY
In memory of Mildred Janda by Mark & Tricia Krugler
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Joan Hoffman
BRAILLE WORK CENTER #163
In memory of Edward “White” Tomanetz by William & Mary Lou Gaeke
CHORALE
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Maurice & Debbie Pitts
In memory of Lydia Neitsch by Norman & Ruby Neitsch
continued on next page …
continued from previous page …
MEDIA MINISTRY
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Glenn & Betty Wachsmann
CABLE TV SPONSORSHIP
In memory of Lorine Domaschk by Carol Green
HANDBELL RESTORATION
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz, Dorothy Birnbaum and Aunt Betty Theise by C.L. & JoAnn Painter
FOOD PANTRY
In memory of family in heaven by Gene & Karen Urban & Family
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL (ILS) UNDESIGNATED GIFTS
In memory of Jim Hunt by Albert & Judy Matthijetz
In memory of Mildred Janda by Paul & Jolene Fischer
In memory of Dennis Maass by Ralph & Gladys Pitts
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Adeline Melcher
ILS SCHOLARSHIPS
In memory of Carol Jean Hohle and Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Edward & Joyce Mitschke
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Vernelle Zoch , Gene & Karen Urban, and Ivadelle Koenig
In memory of Jeff Dock & Terri Lynn Joyce by Marion & Debbie Muras & Family
ILS LIBRARY
In memory of Joyce Ford by Ronnie & Lisa Petzold
ILS READING/TUTORING PROGRAM
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Tim, Rachel & RileyRose Langham
ILS LAUREN MATTHIJETZ TUITION ASSISTANCE
In memory of Roger Lee Jatzlau, Helen Smith, Leroy ‘Buddy” Lorenz, and Edward “White” Tomanetz by Clarence
& Ruth Jatzlau
In memory of Melvin & Dorothy Schautschick and Bertha Foerster by Jerry & Karen Faske & Family
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
In memory of Herbert P. & Marie A. Jenke by Corbitt & Amber Hill
In honor of William & Linda Arldt’s 50th wedding anniversary by Walter & Patsy Arldt
LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES (CAMP LONE STAR)
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Paul & Rachel Meinke, Herbert Carleston, Tom & Carol Kieschnick &
Family, Lee & Sally Fazzino & Family, and David & Glorianne Schwausch
MISSIONS
In memory of Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Robert & Louise Grimm, Matthew & Kim Grimm, Tim & Lisa Grimm,
and Philip & Faydra Grimm
In memory of Mildred Janda by John, Eunice & Matthew Siegmund
FAITH LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
In memory of Carol Jean Hohle and Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Barry & Susan Walther
In memory of Inez Gutierrez and Leroy “Buddy” Lorenz by Rodney & Gina Mersiovsky
LEROY (“BUDDY”) MARION LORENZ was born on August 27, 1937 in Giddings, Texas, to Robert
Reinhold Lorenz and Clara (Hielscher) Lorenz. He was baptized on September 26, 1937 by Rev. G.W. Fischer
and confirmed on March 31, 1951 by Rev. Max Studtmann at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings. His
confirmation verse was 2 Corinthians 6:18, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty”. Buddy was united in marriage to Shirley Ruth Mersiovsky on June 2, 1957 at
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings by Rev. Max Studtmann. They were blessed with two children, Robert
Harry and Tamera Lanesse. Buddy was a graduate of Giddings High School class of 1955. He earned his
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Southwest Texas State University in 1959 and his Master’s in
Education degree in 1972. He completed coursework for superintendent certification in 1990. His teaching and
coaching career began in 1959 at Rockdale ISD and continued at A&M Consolidated and Georgetown
Independent School districts. In 1970, he returned to Giddings where he served as head basketball coach, junior
high principal, and principal of Giddings High School from 1974-1994. He very much enjoyed his time with
students and teachers throughout the years and was always excited to see former students and hear of their
success in their lives and work. During his 35 years in education he was affiliated with many organizations and
groups whose goal was to promote and support the education of children. He was an active member of
Immanuel Lutheran Church and served in various capacities for both church and Christian day school. He
proudly served as a member of the Giddings Rotary in his earlier years and later in the Giddings Breakfast
Lions Club. After retirement from the school system in 1994, Buddy was busy with gardening, ranching, and
serving on the Board of Directors for Education Service Center, Region XIII in Austin, Texas. He looked
forward to family gatherings and spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandsons. bUDDY is
preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert (Bobby) Lorenz, Jr.; parents-in-law Harry & Margaret
Mersiovsky, and nephew Jerry Robert Throckmorton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Lorenz of
Giddings; son Dr. Robert (Butch) Lorenz, D.V.M. & wife Madonna of Arlington, and daughter Tammy &
husband Tim Hartfield of Giddings; his grandchildren, Madonna Lynn & husband Ron McClure, Magen &
husband John Hearn, and Robert Harry Lorenz Jr., all of Arlington, Thomas & wife Brittany Hartfield of
College Station, and Robin Kate Hartfield of Giddings; and his great-grandsons, Nolan and Keaton McClure
and Clark Thomas Hearn. He is also survived by sister, Ethel & husband Jimmy Throckmorton of Rockdale,
and brother-in-law, Charles Mersiovsky & wife, Margaret of Giddings. Buddy passed away on November 26,
2015, surrounded by his family at his home in Giddings. His funeral was officiated by Pastor Robert Tiner on
November 29th and burial followed in the Giddings City Cemetery.
DELORES EARLINE (BETHKE) BILLIG Delores Earlene (Bethke) Billig was born on March 8, 1942 in
Brenham, Texas to Anton Henry Bethke and Minnie Alvenia (Urban) Bethke. She was baptized on March 18,
1942 and confirmed on March 25, 1956 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings by Rev. Max Studtmann.
Her confirmation verse was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Delores was a waitress at The Sweet Shop and
Mel's Diner and also worked in the cafeteria at Immanuel Lutheran School for several years. She married Erwin
Billig on August 2, 1998 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Wilbern Michalk officiating. She was a
lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings where she had been a member of the Ladies Aid,
sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She had served as president of the Afternoon Fellowship and the
Lee County Senior Citizen Center and served as secretary for the Lee County Seniors in Action. Delores
enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, attending her granddaughter’s sporting events and rarely missed a
Giddings High School Buffalo football game. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton & Minnie
Bethke; her husband, Erwin Billig; three brothers, Milton Bethke, Charles Bethke and Wayne Bethke, and a
brother-in-law, Erwin Koslan. Delores is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Russell & LaDonna Neumann
of Giddings; three granddaughters, Hanna Neumann of College Station and Morgan & Maci Boyd of Giddings;
her sister, Ruth Koslan of Georgetown; her brother, Ray Bethke & his wife, Patricia of Georgetown; her sisterin-law, Ruth Bethke of Brenham; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Delores passed away
on December 12, 2015 at the Giddings Residence and Rehabilitation Center; and her funeral was conducted by
Pastor Robert Tiner on December 16th.
RUTH ANN (“RED”) HANDRICK was born on February 26, 1945 in Tomball, Texas to Rev. Carl Biar &
Lillian (Schmidt) Biar. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at her father’s church in Klein,
Texas. After graduating high school, Red attended the Texas Woman’s University for two years. She was a
loving and devoted homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, making crafts, gardening,
traveling and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Carl Biar and
Lillian (Schmidt) Biar. Red is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mike & Sally Biar of Ledbetter,
Corey & Brenda Handrick of Giddings, Christopher & Tina Handrick of Lincoln and Shannon & Jackie
Handrick of Giddings; her grandchildren, Shawn & Ashley Biar of Giddings, Mike & Ashley Gallant of
Ledbetter, Justin Handrick of Giddings, Taylor Handrick of Giddings, Ethan Handrick of Giddings, Brannon
Stamper of Lincoln, Zachary Stamper of Lincoln, Christina Handrick of Giddings, Zackary Handrick of
Giddings, Clayton Schroeder of Giddings and Kaydence Schroeder of Giddings; six great-grandchildren as well
as several cousins and other relatives and friends. Red passed away on December 15, 2015 at Oakland Manor
Nursing Center in Giddings. Her funeral was held at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Tiner
of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Giddings and Pastor Garrett Smith of Christ Lutheran Church, Loebau
officiating. Burial followed in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Lincoln.
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GIDDINGS,TX
PERMIT
NO. 50
Immanuel Lutheran Church
300 N. Grimes St.
Giddings, Texas 78942
Return Service Requested
God With Us…
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”