St. John Lutheran Church Cypress, Texas

Building Quiz

2010-09-23T20:55:00.004-05:00

Here's a little test: How many of these things can you identify? They are all in our new worship center on the building sight at St. John.
A:

B:

C:

D:
E:
F:

G:

H:
I:
J:
Here are the answers:
A: Lightening protection cable - a braided copper cable running from the roof into the concrete footing.

B: Electrical conduit with pull string. The pull string will be attached to the cabling in the conduit - whether CAT-5 computer, electrical power or A/V cabling - and the wire will be pulled through the conduit from one location to another.

C: The ends of the metal framing that is used for building the interior and exterior walls.

D: Gutter spouts.

E: Sprinkler system pipes

F: Isolation legs on which the air handlers in the upstairs A/V area.

G: Conduit connectors.

H: The back side of the glu-lam beams showing where the large boards are glued together.

I: Plumbing connectors in the women's restroom

J: Part of the boom lift which reaches across and up to various parts of the roof and construction project.

These are but a few of the various tools of the trade and parts of the puzzle that go together to build a church building. But there is a spiritual truth here: there are many parts and pieces that make up the body of Christ, and they're all important. Maybe you're one who reaches high across the aisles and into the far reaches of peoples' lives. Perhaps you're a connector, holding conduits of God's grace together. You might be someone who sticks closer than a brother (a true friend who makes others stronger and is part of something bigger and more beautiful than any one part of the whole. Be sure of this, however, it is God who builds his Church. And he uses people as different and unique as parts of any building project. He does it by the power of the Holy Spirit and his grace in Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.

Forward in Faith: First and Goal

2010-09-07T16:27:00.003-05:00

Week three into our series Forward in Faith: First and Goal...and some are beginning to get restless.

I often wonder how individuals responded to Martin Luther after his sermons on Sunday morning.. .or Sunday evening...or Wednesday night...or any other time when he stood up in public and shared some insight from God's Word. This past week, we walked through the narrative of Numbers 13-14--the story of the 12 Israelite spies going into Canaan to see what there was to eat and to see how the people who lived there were organized.

If you have the time to read the story (and you probably do if you're surfing blogs online), I encourage you to do so. [If you don't have a Bible at home, you can use this one: http://www.biblegateway.com/; type in 'Numbers 13' in the Quick Search box.]

Long story short--they came back after 40 days of spying with food galore, and knew that this new place was much better than wandering in the wilderness eating manna and quail...however, 10 of the spies were afraid of the men they would have to fight to acquire it, and so they gave the rest of the Israelites a 'bad report' (Numbers 13.32). Only Caleb and Joshua wanted to go in and fight, because they knew that God would protect them.

The Israelites were swayed by some bad influences--and those 10 guys were 'heads of the people of Israel' (13.3). How can you move forward in faith when you're constantly battling negative influences?!

The question asked this past Sunday: What is your influence? Are you hearing only those who constantly question God's grace and promises, only to promote their own fears or desires? Do we rely heavily on what our favorite talk radio host, our favorite tv program, our favorite 'personality' shares with us more than the truth that God has laid out?

Mark Hall of Casting Crowns sings:

What if the life that we pursue - Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus - Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if being a Christian was more involved than just being 'a participant' on Sunday morning? How would the world respond? What should our response be to the negative influences of the world? Caleb and Joshua tore their shirts and proudly told all of their friends and family about what God had promised them in terms of the 'Promised Land'. Jesus use those negative influences for our benefit--he allowed those with unbelief to nail him to a cross, so that he would be able to forgive the sins of the world.

What do you know about God? What do you share about your faith? What do you allow into your life to influence you? How are you moving forward in your faith? If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me about your thoughts or concerns.

Have a hunger for the things in this world that matter. Seek the truth. Turn to Jesus.

The View from the Cross: The Sacristy

2010-08-14T07:52:00.006-05:00

Behind the cross in the chancel will be a large opening and wall that will hide the sacristy. The sacristy is a room in which the communion ware, banners, paraments, as well as the pastors' vestments are kept. It is used by the altar guild to prepare for communion and baptisms, as well as acolyte robes and supplies.

We are served by an active and dedicated altar guild at St. John. They do their duty faithfully and joyfully. The new space will have cabinetry, storage, counter top space, and other accoutrements that will support their service. A sidewalk will come to the back door of the sacristy and allow access to the sacristy from the outside. In addition, steps on either side of the altar lead to what will be a walk-through storage area that will allow access to the sacristy.

I am thankful for the Altar Guild at St. John. They are responsive, creative, and faithful servants of Christ. Their work is regularly seen in the banners, preparation for Holy Communion and baptisms, parament changes and general altar care each week. But their work is often taken for granted. They are often the unseen servants of Christ for the sake of the worship life of the church. I thank God for the women of the altar guild! I look forward with them to this new space from which their work will continue to be done.

The View From the Cross - 2

2010-08-12T06:03:00.000-05:00

Here are two important photos. One is of the steel plate to which the large cross in the chancel will be attached. The other is the view, from the cross of the A/V booth. If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you'll not have your attention drawn to them.

This steel plate is for the large cross to be erected in the chancel. If it does it's job well, we'll never give it a thought; the cross will stand as a strong visual image and a strong witness to the love of God in Christ. The attention will be on the cross, not the steel plate that holds it erect.
It's not obvious, but the A/V booth is pictured here--as seen from the cross. I think of the people who will staff that booth: sound techs, PowerPoint or worship presentation persons, video camera operators, and other folks who will help people to hear and see the message of the Gospel, and aid those who are in worship in singing praise to our God.

If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you will see the cross standing--it's strong silent witness--and you will hear the message or see the words of the hymns and songs. If we do our jobs well in the church people will glorify God, not the steel plate that holds up the cross, nor the sound system that broadcasts the sounds.

I'm thinking this morning of people who will gather to worship Christ and hear his word and sing his praise. It's not about the building, nor any of the features of the building; it's all about Jesus and the people for whom he died and in whom he lives. Jesus himself said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:176- ESV)

A View From the Cross

2010-08-09T19:51:00.004-05:00

I've been taking photos of our construction project since it began several months ago. Recently, however, I had an idea about some specific photos I am going to take from time to time, along with some commentary regarding them. The subject will be, "A View From the Cross." This is the first installment.

I will provide a photo of the place in the chancel behind the where the altar will stand from which these photos will be taken. There is a 4" x 10" steel plate in the concrete there on which will be placed a large cross. That marks the spot from which I will take photos of various parts of the building and offer some thoughts about the people who will be in those spaces.

These two photos are of the area to the left as you walk into the new worship space (the technical name for that is "Nave" which is the seating area of the church building). Walk in and head to the far left and you will be in these seats - which are on the opposite side of the choir area.

The ceiling above this section (and all the interior of the new worship space) is a light pine glue-laminated beam and tongue and groove decking. This is the same construction as our current sanctuary. The striking differences are the size and color: much larger and lighter in color.

The people who sit in this area of the new church will include both long-time members of St. John, as well as new members and guests. They will come for worship services, funerals, weddings, and programs of the Early Childhood Center, or other events - perhaps a high school choir or orchestra concert?

Have you thought of where you will sit in the new church building? Will you sit in the same place each week? Will you look for friends and family members? Will you look for guests and those who need a special word of welcome or encouragement? Will you spend time in prayer as you prepare for worship and examine yourself before the Lord's Supper? Will you sit in this area of the nave?

The view from the area shown above looking toward the chancel, altar and cross.

Lord, it's Now

2010-07-30T16:25:00.003-05:00

"If we've ever needed You, Lord, it's now. Lord, it's now." These words are echoed a few times a day on KSBJ through the song (by the same title) performed by Casting Crowns.

I remember a marquee outside of a sports bar in St. Louis: Free Beer Tomorrow. This was a great message for all those getting ready for the big game and wanted an establishment to enjoy some frosty beverages and nachos. However, when the clock struck midnight and 'tomorrow' came to be, the marquee still advertised the same deal: Free Beer Tomorrow.

Many of us look forward to tomorrow for many reasons, especially when it's Friday afternoon. You may have brunch plans with your family, or a trip coming up for the weekend; sporting events may rule the day. Or, you may be looking forward to just a couple days off from your 'everyday' routine...and tomorrow will bring you a brighter outlook.

Unfortunately for some, today may be their last day. For those who are sick and dying, death slowly draws near. Even those of us who are healthy and seem to be in our 'prime', life may come to a close much sooner than expected.

"If we've ever needed you, Lord it's now." There's no waiting, no delaying our faith. You may think that these lyrics are true for the sin-filled world that we live in here in 2010, and that's fine, but that's not the whole truth of it. If it were 1517, when Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses, they needed a Savior--'now'. If we lived in 1862 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, they needed a Savior--'now'.

Sure, our world has issues, and some may believe that the signs of the Apocalypse are upon us. But that doesn't really matter--today we need a Savior.

Over the next three weeks, we will begin our 'Time of Abiding' here at St. John. How will you become more intimately acquainted with your Savior during this time? How will you use this time to call out to God and say, "Father, I'm done with the business and craziness of my everyday life. How can I place my relationship with you first--now?"

May the Holy Spirit give you the will to do this good work through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A Few More Construction Photos

2010-06-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

Here are some more daily construction photos of our new worship center construction program:

June 3:
http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/SJLC/June-3-Construction-Photos/12424736_ZrAWu

June 7:
http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/SJLC/June-7-Construction-Photos/12473532_Pdtp4

Time Lapse from the same location for 17 Days:
http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/gallery/12445717_UkKPm#891079185_Tfze7

Daily Photos

2010-05-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

I take a daily stroll through the construction site and take a few photos each day. Although I've not been able to do so for the past two days, here are some links to several that I have taken in the past few days. They are on my personal Smugmug photo site where you can also play a slide show of the photos.

http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/Church/2010-04-06-St-John/12101523_48imr

http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/SJLC/2010-05-07-Construction-Photos/12101610_LAxNx

http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/Church/Facilities/2010-05-10-Daily-Construction/12141720_CrTgf

http://fbgpbd.smugmug.com/gallery/12174362_3Pd8d#866340702_3mW22

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Pastor David Bahn

Footings, Rebar, & Concrete

2010-05-07T22:11:00.005-05:00

Photos from Thursday & Friday (May 6 & 7). The largest footing is 16' X 16' X 3'. Yes, that's feet - 21 cubic yards of concrete will go into that footing.

This first photo is of some pastoral scribing. I took a stick and wrote "John 10:10" in one of the footings for our new worship center. The superintendent said that it was actually outside the building (I didn't know that). He also verified that this will be covered with lots of dirt. God knows it's there. So do I. So do you, now.

These blue-ribbon cages mark the center axis of the worship center. I have set up a platform from which I'll take a photo each day as the building goes up. On days when lots of things are happening (erecting glue-lam beams, for example) I'll take 3 or 4. When we're all finished we can show the building going up in 10 minutes or less.
Concrete: There are two rules;

It is hard.
It will crack.

A drainage tile is laid under what will be a new drive and parking area.
Toppers protect the rebar that is sticking up from the concrete footing.
The inner strength of the concrete is the rebar hidden within the drying cement.

Rebar sticking up in the area of where the new chancel will be.

A worker hangs a plumb line to mark the proper intersection between two strings, and indicating the proper placement of the rebar.
A worker climbs out of a hole that had been dug by a backhoe which he had finished with a square blade shovel. He was squaring off the corners and leveling the bottom in preparation for pouring this footing.

April Building Progress

2010-05-01T16:27:00.006-05:00

Here are some photos of the building progress to date. The site has been brought up to grade -5" as of April 30. On Monday, May 3, the work will begin on the spread footers. Two of those footers (by word of the architect) will be 16' X 16' X 3' deep!
Click on each small image to see a larger version.

Confirmation Sunday/National Day of Prayer

2010-04-30T15:23:00.003-05:00

This week will be a banner week for St. John. On Saturday and Sunday, we will celebrate with 37 of our students who will be confirming the faith God has given them. Thirty-Seven. Wow. We've had to make some adjustments to the 'typical' schedule that we would normally have for a confirmation weekend, just so everything will be able to flow smoothly Saturday (when the students will share their faith statements/eat brunch by the LWML/take pictures) and Sunday (37 Confirmation Rites spread between 3 services). We're excited as we anticipate a great response from not only these young people but also all those coming to St. John to celebrate with them.

Also this week, we will have an opportunity to participate in the National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 6th). We will have our sanctuary open throughout the day so that any and all people may pray with one of our pastors and prayer team members, with prayer cards available to help focus your thoughts.

If you're not able to come to our campus, the National Day of Prayer will follow you wherever you are. You will receive a prayer card in your bulletin on Sunday (May 2), and we encourage you to take this to work or even around your neighborhood. Ask those around you if they have any prayer requests that you can write on your card, and then on Thursday hold these individuals up in prayer. You may be surprised what people may say to you...and who they will ask for you to pray for. Bring your card back to St. John on the 9th so that we may continue to pray for these individuals and concerns in the weeks to come.

Progress - at least a bit of it...

2010-04-22T22:05:00.004-05:00

Here are three panoramas showing the progress to date (4/22/2010) on the new worship center. Some of the things you don't see is the removal of extraneous water and gas lines, replacement of gas lines to current buildings, and re-routing of plumbing, electrical and gas lines - all to get things in order for the foundation to be laid and the worship center to go up.

This shows the space before any trees were removed and ground was leveled. Although a number of trees had to be removed there are still more than 50 large trees on the north 1/4 our the church's property (the area bounded by Spring Cypress and Huffmeister between the current sanctuary and the gravel parking area east of the Children's Ministry Center.

This shows that same area after trees were removed and ground is being leveled.

This is a view from above - from the parapet above the restrooms in the current sanctuary.

All three of these panoramas are three photos stitched together to make one seamless image. Watch this space for more photos as the construction program continues.

Go!

2010-04-11T20:59:00.005-05:00

It's official; the deed has been recorded. The actual construction has begun! The construction fence goes up on Monday. Soon we will see more and more work on the new worship center. What will it be like to walk into the new worship center? What will it be like to have plenty of room for family, friends, and new folks who join us? What will it be like to experience the grace of God in this new place?
We can only imagine and look forward to experiencing these feelings.
In the mean time, however, we rejoice in the grace of God in Christ and thank him that we have an eternal home in heaven, mansions being prepared for us, and an experience of God's salvation that we can only imagine.
We'll post photos in the weeks to come and watch and see this project take shape. May God bless all who work on this project. May he grant protection to all the workers and give us opportunities to share with them and all who come on our campus the love of Christ and the Good News of God's salvation, and the gift of abundant eternal life through faith in Jesus.
-DLB

Helping Hands

2010-03-12T16:37:00.002-06:00

What a beautiful day here in Cypress, Texas! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the temperature couldn't be better--a cool 68 degrees for the high today.

This weekend we'll have another full schedule of activities at St. John, even as schools in the area kick off their spring break with the final bell this afternoon.

Tonight a few of us are going to the Casting Crowns concert at the Berry Center, and then tomorrow morning the men will meet for their weekly Bible Study/Sunday morning set-up. Juniors for Jesus and the Instrumentalists may be getting together for rehearsal in the morning as well.

Sunday is a great day to get up (especially after remembering to set your clocks ahead) and pray together at 7am, worship/attend Sunday School at 8, 9:30, and 11, and then have our Holy Week/Easter 'All Hands on Deck' Meeting. For those who are involved with the governance transition team, you will also meet Sunday afternoon.

Which makes me raise up my hands and say--thank you! We have hundreds of 'helping hands' here at St. John; those who tirelessly step out and serve God in so many ways, from setting up chairs to leading music to serving on the Altar Guild. What would happen if all of those hands just stopped...helping?

A church in Virginia did this just a few weeks ago. No ushers, no Sunday School teachers, no money counters, no parking attendants, no nothing. Do you know what happened, as a result? Nothing. (Don't believe that this could really happen? Read more here: http://www.pastors.com/blogs/ministrytoolbox/archive/2010/03/10/crazy-risk-a-weekend-with-no-volunteers.aspx)

People were able to see how much an impact all the congregational 'helping hands' help each and every week, and for them (about 1,250 volunteers), it was a big difference.

As members and friends of St. John, you are our helping hands--you are walking with us, living and sharing the Abundant Life of Jesus. In what you do both on our campus and in your vocations throughout the week, you are our hands into the Cypress Community. You are showing people God's love through your service. Thank you.

Moving Forward with iTunes

2010-03-11T15:45:00.003-06:00

Go to our website here (http://www.stjohn-lutheran.net/sermon_audio.htm) and you will see that we are in the process of getting our messages up as podcasts on iTunes. That means that you can actually subscribe to podcasts of the Sunday messages at St. John.
On the one hand this is a bit heady; we're on iTunes. On the other hand, I realize that the fact that we're on iTunes means little or nothing in the grand scheme of things. It's not that big a deal.
But it is a big deal if just one person connects with this podcast and is drawn by the Holy Spirit to faith in Jesus, or realizes a deeper relationship with Jesus and a more intentional pursuit of following Jesus. That would be a big deal in deed!
We don't have it all nailed down just yet, but we are in hot pursuit of every means possible of Living and Sharing the Abundant Life of Jesus. Most of that involves a serious engagement of faith and deep conviction about the goodness of God and the incredible blessing of abundant eternal life that comes by faith in Jesus. Much of it is a person-to-person sharing of that good news and encouraging accountability as we follow together after God. But it is only fully realized as we move out with the Good News of Jesus and seek in whatever way we can to get that Good News into the ears and hearts of people.
So, we're on iTunes. We have a Podcast. That doesn't make us "somebody." But the One who does make us "somebody", Jesus Christ, may just be a bit more accessible to to more people by this means. May Jesus' name be exalted!

The Little Things

2010-03-05T16:25:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I was doing a bit of yard work, when I felt a pinch in my thumb. My sago palm stabbed me. It wasn't until this morning that I realized not only had I been impaled, but it had also left a piece of itself in my thumb; and my whole hand began to throb. The only way to make it better was to remove the little splinter.

This afternoon, Natalie came by after her classroom of 2-year-olds all went home and we went together to get a nice fruity drink at Sonic--a Route 44 Lime Slush. Paradise.

It's amazing how the little things in life can either make or break your day. A little splinter the smaller than size of a gnat didn't allow me to focus until it was out...and now a cool drink on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon has given me a smile and rejuvenated my day.

I wonder what would have happened if Jesus let a little splinter (or specifically in his case, a few blisters on his well-traveled feet) get in his way--I don't think he would have been able to suffer the punishment of death on a cross. He endured the highs of riding in to chants of 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' on Palm Sunday, and the lows of being betrayed, tortured and put to death just a few days later.

Thank you, Lord, for giving your life for us to be our Savior--steady, and true. Amen.

Great Expectations

2010-01-31T06:28:00.002-06:00

Rev. Tim Radkey writes:

Some say that the greatest gift is the one you weren't expecting. The best gifts catch you off guard. An unexpected gift at an unexpected time leads to joy in the giver and receiver. What a joy to know that even in the midst of the routine there is always the possibility of a surprise blessing.

It was the ninth hour and hence the routine time for prayer. People filed in as they always did at the ninth hour. The alarm clock went off and the lame man's friends move him to the front of the gate where all who will enter for the hour of prayer must pass. The lame man is a routine fixture at the gate. He is a man dependent upon his buddies and other people's routine generosity.

While the man is lame he has certainly learned to become assertive. Upon seeing Peter and John about to pass buy he asks them to play their part in helping a brother out. Peter and John direct their gaze at the man. You almost get the feeling that prior to Peter and John there wasn't much eye contact between the giver and receiver. It was all routine until today. Before today it seems as if the givers gave out of a sense of duty and for some maybe even guilt.

The eye contact seems unexpected. What follows is certainly unexpected. Peter said I don't have money to give, but I give you Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Immediately the man is healed and walks, leaps, and praises God as he makes his way into the temple for prayer. This is how amazing Jesus' gifts to all of us really are. He does not have to give out of duty. He gives because He desires to heal, bless, and be the source of much rejoicing!

Do you expect on Sunday to see anyone leaping for joy because of what Jesus has done? When did we stop looking for wonder and amazement at our church? Jesus remains the one who did the unexpected so that we might break the routine of sin and beginning living for Him. When your alarm goes off tomorrow morning, try getting out of bed celebrating that you are living under the unexpected and undeserved grace Jesus lavishes on you routinely. Keep leaping and praising the name of Jesus!
--Rev. Tim Radkey

From: M2C Mission Prayer Guide, Vol. I, #5 from Texas District Mission & Ministry Facilitator Rev. Steve Misch

Donor Fatigue

2010-01-27T09:35:00.002-06:00

I receive regular emails from Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Today's email (sent to pastors) was especially noteworthy. Here it is for your prayerful edification and encouragement:

A Pastoral Letter to
Pastors of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
From President Jerry Kieschnick
January 27, 2010

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Americans are giving generously for relief effort in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Donations have exceeded the amounts given immediately following the 2004 Asian tsunamis and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. In the first 10 days after the Haiti earthquake struck, more than $380 million was contributed to 35 U.S. non-profit groups, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Among the 35 is Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore, which reported $1.6 million in contributions for Haiti relief as of this past Friday. As of two days ago, contributions to LCMS World Relief passed the $1 million mark!

By comparison, major U.S. relief groups raised $163 million in the nine days after the tsunamis struck and $239 million in the 10 days after 9/11, the Chronicle reports. Only gifts for relief efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, some $580 million in the first eight days, have exceeded the pace of those given for Haiti.

It is gratifying to see such an outpouring of care and concern for the victims of this terrible natural disaster. Many of your congregations and members have given to this effort, and many of you have given as well. Thank you!

Already, though, there are reports in the press that relief officials fear the onset of "donor fatigue" because of the fast pace of contributions to date and the much slower pace of relief efforts, not to mention the long-term effort needed to rebuild this country. When I hear such reports, I am reminded of the apostle Paul's words, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:9-10). I also thank God that He does not weary of doing good for us in Jesus Christ.

+ + +

The 'household of faith' in Haiti

The apostle Paul encourages us to do good "especially to those who are of the household of faith." The household of faith in Haiti includes brothers and sisters in our partner church there, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. My pastoral letter for December included an article about the ELCH. I noted that when the 2001 Synod convention voted to formalize altar and pulpit fellowship with the ELCH, it did so unanimously, which I think says something about the especially warm regard with which our people hold the Haitian church.

On Jan. 18, I wrote to ELCH President Marky Kessa on behalf of our Synod. Permit me to share some of my letter to President Kessa with you:

"Many times every day since last week's horrendous earthquake in Haiti, you and the people of your church and country have been upheld in my prayers and the prayers of the pastors and congregations of your brothers and sisters in Christ, the people of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. We are truly thankful to God that you and your family are alive and safe. We pray the same is true of all the pastors and people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. And we pray for God's abundant mercy upon the people in Haiti who are suffering from grief, injury, fear, hunger, thirst, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, or despair following this horrific disaster. These prayers ascend from your fellow servants to the throne of our triune God, who was, who is, and who is to come, the only true God who has revealed Himself through Holy Scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

"This letter is being sent via email to you, with no assurance whatsoever that conditions in Haiti will allow it to be received electronically. Therefore, it is also being transmitted to Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director of LCMS World Mission, for personal delivery to you, and to other leaders in our Synod as an encouragement for them to continue to provide prayer and financial support for you and the people of your church and country. At this moment, Dr. Groh is scheduled to accompany other representatives from the LCMS on a brief visit to Haiti later this week. I pray that you will receive this delegation from the LCMS with thanksgiving to God, that the resources and assistance they bring will fill your heart with hope and joy, and that many people in Haiti will be blessed by the heartfelt care and concern that will be demonstrated by our LCMS delegation.

"On numerous occasions since the earthquake occurred, I have communicated to the people and congregations of the LCMS my personal and presidential encouragement that they be generous in their support of the work being accomplished by the Board for Human Care Ministries (LCMS World Relief and Human Care) and by the Board for Mission Services (LCMS World Mission), both headquartered at the International Center of the LCMS in St. Louis, and by Lutheran World Relief, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Gifts from the people of the LCMS to these agencies, with matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, make it possible for the tangible expressions of love, care, and concern that you and your people will receive, not only from this week's delegation, but also for many weeks and months to come. The ongoing support that we hope and pray will be possible for us to bring to you will be vital for the reestablishment of health and healing, both of body and of soul, following the losses experienced by the people of Haiti.

"As you provide leadership in the recovery and restoration of your people in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, I pray that our great and gracious God will fill your heart and life with a special sense of the peace of God that passes all understanding. And I pray that this peace, which comes only by God's grace, will keep your heart and mind through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!"

After writing that letter, subsequent plans developed that would have flown me to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and from there over land to the Haitian border to meet with President Kessa of our partner church body. The plan was for me to accompany leaders and members of the staff of LCMS World Relief and Human Care and LCMS World Mission.

After those plans were almost solidified, I received word from Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director for LCMS World Mission, advising me to delay this trip until the chaotic conditions currently being experienced in Haiti have subsided. Following prayerful and careful consideration and conversation, I decided to follow that advice to postpone my trip. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, please continue to check the LCMS Web site for updates on our LCMS response to this disaster. And continue to pray for the well being of the people of Haiti who have great needs of body and soul.

Thanks Be to God

2010-01-25T13:11:00.000-06:00

Philippians 1:3-6

³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

: Diane & David Bahn at his installation as Senior Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church – Cypress, Texas

I had an idea that there might be something going on this past weekend at St. John; I had been told that I needed not to plan anything for that afternoon. Well and good. I had my suspicions, but I had no idea what was really to be happening. WOW!

It all started when Steve and Cat, our youngest son and wife showed up Saturday afternoon. I knew that my mom had planned to visit. My sister, too, and her family: Suzie & Stan, Katelyn and Carley had concocted a plan to visit us too. Matt was planning to come to buy a car here. He brought his brother Aaron. Only Tim, Lori, & James were unable to come. With family members present it was a great weekend already.

But that wasn’t half of it. Sunday was a day of celebration of 30 years in ministry and 5 years as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church. As the day unfolded I discovered that Rev. Ken Hennings, president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod was going to preach. I was not to lead worship, but rather, sit with my family for the day – a great treat. After the 11 a.m. worship service we had a wonderful luncheon. Catered barbecue, cake, and a program of much fun, gracious gifts, and kind words of encouragement followed. The staff sang a song about me – quite a hoot! I received a beautiful eagle and plaque, a new white stole, and a generous gift card. To top it all off was a scrapbook of letters from members and staff, photos of ministry, and memories of ministry at St. John for the past 5 years. It was a wonderful day. I feel wonderfully loved and blessed!

At my side for the past 30 years has been Diane. She is my partner in ministry in the best sense of the word. The term partner refers to a beam under the deck of a sailing ship. This beam holds the mast up and keeps it secure. How apt a description of Diane’s partnership with me in the gospel! She has a ministry in her own right as the Director of the Partner Ministry of the Pastoral Leadership Institute. This partner ministry is for the wives of pastors who attend the conferences alongside their husbands in this post-seminary training program for Lutheran pastors. I thank God for her!

My mom and dad started me down the path of the Christian faith through Sunday School and worship, and teaching in the home. Our sons have shared in the ministry for the past 30 years, enjoying some privileges (they might not see it that way at all), and bearing many challenges along the way. I am so glad that they were here with me for this day of celebration.

But the honor goes to God: He is the one who has begun and continued a good work in me and many others over the past 30 years. It is God’s work in me and the people of God at St. John that has moved us forward in the manner we are moving these day. And my confidence is this: God began the work. He will complete it. I am looking forward to many more years of ministry at St. John and seeing God’s work in my life and the lives of the people of God there. To him belongs all praise and glory!

Movie Night

2010-01-22T11:59:00.002-06:00

Last week, 9 brave souls were able to get together for a night at the movies. We met up at Cinemark Cypress to see 'The Book of Eli'. Knowing little information about it (it seems as though many of the previews are intentionally secretive), our expectations were not set at a pretty high level. What we did know was that Eli, or Denzel Washington's character, was the owner of the world's final copy of the Bible.

Skip ahead maybe 50 years into the future, after a few religious wars, and after the ozone (or lack thereof) had taken its toll on the face of the earth, and life was pretty bad. No water, no hope for survival, other than to take from the dead their shoes or clothes that would last them longer than the rags they had on. People were desperate--they killed others to protect themselves so that they could survive another day.

I'm not going to spoil the movie for you, because all 9 of us were pretty intrigued by it at the end--and if you can take some of the violence, the story (although dry at times--both literally and figuratively) does have a pretty good message. There is hope in the Word that he carries.

After the movie, we related this story to our world today. So many people don't know the real truth about Jesus. Even those who do sometimes aren't able to share this message of grace with those around us. Some of the depressing scenes that were portrayed in the movie could have been taken directly from the destruction in Haiti. Now the shelters that have been set up for survivors may become a petri dish for disease and sickness to spread rampantly among the people. Clean water, food and medicine are the key things necessary as this nation tries to steady itself again. May the necessities of both their physical and spiritual needs be met by the many organizations and missions who will serve the Haitians in the months and years to come.

As the word from Haiti becomes more and more positive, may they rely also on the Living Word which can give them hope in this world and in the world to come.

LCMS Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

2010-01-19T15:03:00.001-06:00

Here is the latest information about the efforts not only of LifeBridge Church (check out the latest on their webiste now), but also thos of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in response to the Haiti earthquake.

This most recent information comes from the LCMS World Mission department. There are several links to resources, giving and support options, and informationn about our efforts there. For your edification and information...

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod

LCMS WORLD MISSION
The Global Gospel Outreach of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
____________________________________________

TOP STORIES - January 19, 2010Archives: www.lcmsworldmission.org/news

LCMS relief work in Haiti continues-prayers and offerings still needed
____________________________________________

As more details emerge surrounding the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people in Haiti, the LCMS continues its efforts to provide immediate relief to the Haitian people.

Ongoing updates are being shared through the LCMS Web site at www.lcms.org. Some specific resources include:

A video from LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick speaking of the Synod's relief efforts and urging LCMS members to give generously
A letter from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans indicating that the organization will match donations of members towards the relief effort in Haiti
A listing of partners involved in relief work in Haiti
An updated interactive map of Haiti
A bulletin insert signed by synodical leaders to appeal for congregational involvement
GEO missionary Alyssa Stone's prayer card and online giving page
Information about LCMS World Mission's work in the neighboring Dominican Republic
Information about LCMS World Mission's work in Latin America

LCMS members are encouraged to continue to lift up the people of Haiti in prayer during this difficult and uncertain time.

"Please pray for the immediate assistance and ongoing recovery of the Haitian people," asks Dr. Thomas Zehnder, LCMS World Mission executive director, "as well as for the continued safety of our missionary family there and our Haitian Lutheran brothers and sisters. Pray that people would not despair in this very difficult situation, but that God would use it for His purposes. Ask God to mightily use the Lutheran churches there as instruments of love to reach out to those suffering around them."

____________________________________________
LCMS WORLD MISSION
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis , MO 63122-7295 , USA
Telephone: 1-800-433-3954
Fax: (314) 965-0959
E-mail: mission.info@lcms.org
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God's People Respond to Disaster in Haiti

2010-01-18T13:56:00.000-06:00

God's People at Work - Through St. John's Mission Church (Lifebridge) we are working to send relief to Haiti. Please read below for more details: Two churches in Florida who have regularly sent mission teams to Haiti have acquired two 40’ shipping containers that they are filling with emergency supplies. We'd like to fill at least one of these with items from Cypress. These containers are scheduled to be shipped out Feb. 1 to an intact Port-au-Prince depot + will arrive within 3 weeks. Upon arrival, people from Mission: Haiti, the Orphan Grain Train, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, will work together to ensure that these supplies are received + distributed in an orderly + timely manner. We are asking people to go to their places of work, schools, + neighborhoods to help collect these items during the coming week. Then, on Saturday + Sunday we will be gathering all the donated items, sorting them, + boxing them on pallets. On Monday morning, Jan. 25, the truck will pull out for Florida.The list of donations that we are seeking: Band aids, first aid ointment, and similar basic medical supplies, All sorts of tools, shovels, etc. for rebuilding, Canned food with pop tops, Peanut butter, Dry rice, Dry beans, Dishwashing liquid, Bedding (sheets, pillows, etc.), Buckets, Washcloths, Soap, Deodorant, Individual packets of disinfectant wipes, Tooth brushes toothpaste, and other toiletries, Liquid formula, diapers, baby bottles, Nutritional bars and shakes. Read the complete Haiti donation details.