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  I am just returning from a retreat with our fellow ministers at Tallowood. It was time well spent. We read an interesting book called A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. Edwards meditates on David's relationships with Saul and Absalom. A good friend shared it with me some time ago. I find it helpful to read about once a year as a reminder of how careful we must be as we steward power in our relationships. How can we live with all the authority of Christ without becoming authoritarian?
We also invited our friend Robert Creech, former pastor of UBC Clear Lake, to come and share some of his thoughts from the class he teaches on Leadership at Truett Seminary. Using Bowen Family Systems Theory, he spoke to us about our role in the systems at our homes and at our work. I am so glad that Robert is teaching at Truett. His twenty-two years at UBC prepared him well to be a life-giving professor at one of our seminaries.
Your staff also thought together about our work in implementing the three major strategies of 2020. We are committed to making relationships, making disciples and making an impact. Pray with us as we think about better ways to engage our growing city. We are discerning our part in this important work of leading the church into the future. What will your part be? How are we doing in creating a warm and welcoming environment for new relationships? In what ways are we becoming the kinds of disciples who make disciples? How will you join us in making an impact on our city? Chris Tomlin sings, "Greater things have yet to come. And greater things are still to be done in this city."
Gratefully,
Duane
Missions Conference 2014
 Join us on Friday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tallowood gym for the 2014 Tallowood Missions Conference: One City, One Purpose, One Way to God. The purpose of this year's conference is how we can reach internationals in our very diverse city with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Houston is home to 315 people groups, 220 spoken languages, and 2,000,000 unchurched. Wherever you live in Houston, you encounter people from countries around the world who need to hear the good news about Jesus. Find out how your witness can make the eternal difference.
Our dynamic speaker will be Afshin Ziafat, pastor of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, who was born and raised as a Muslim and converted to Christianity. Tickets are $15 per person (which includes dinner) and can be purchased at tallowood.org, on Sunday mornings, or in the Mission Office during the week. Childcare is available with reservations.
Halloween Neighborhood Outreach
This year in lieu of our annual Trunk or Treat event, we are encouraging you to take this opportunity to reach out to your neighborhood. We have created a colorful Tallowood magnet, highlighting ministries for children, babies through 5th grade. Please take these magnets and pass them out to families with preschoolers or grade school children to help them become aware of all that Tallowood has to offer. Magnets will be available in the Narthex and the preschool lobby the weekends of October 19 and 26.
Pipes & Patriots
On Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m., we will gather in the Worship Center to honor Veterans and those currently serving in the military. We are blessed to have Monte Maxwell, Organist of the United States Naval Academy, to give a musical performance you won't soon forget, and the University of Houston ROTC Color Guard will post and retire the colors. This is a community-wide event and everyone is invited. Take this opportunity to invite friends, co-workers, and the whole family and help educate our children on the value of freedom.
If you or a close relative (your parent or children) served or is currently serving in the military and you would like them to be included in the program, please drop off pictures and descriptions (we will return all original photos) at the Welcome Desk by Sunday, October 12. If you have electronic copies, email your information to apullin@tallowood.org. If you have any questions, please contact the Outreach Office, 713.468.8241, ext. 8171 or stop by the Welcome Desk.
Orphan Sunday, November 2, 2014
"On Orphan Sunday, Christians stand for the orphan. We are a people called to defend the fatherless...to care for the child that has no family...to visit orphans in their distress." As stated on orphansunday.org.
An orphan is fatherless, motherless and completely alone. November 2, Orphan Sunday, is a worldwide event attempting to raise awareness to the cause, circumstance and needs of orphans. There are 153 million orphaned/abandoned children in our world today! Family Hope Ministry at Tallowood is responding.
Family Hope, a Tallowood ministry of encouragement, education, and support for families who foster and or adopt has sponsored a Family Hope Devotional booklet. The Family Hope Devotional is a compilation of heartfelt devotions by Tallowood individuals and families impacted by orphan care through adoption, fostering, parenting and grand parenting. The Family Hope Devotional will be available November 1-2, and via email. For more information contact Carol Kleckner at ckleckner@tallowood.org or 713.468.8241, ext. 8143.
October Events for 55+
Golf Tournament:
Thursday, October 16, Tallowood Seniors will tee up for their monthly golf tournament at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch in Katy. The $45 entry fee is due by Sunday, October 12. Players will follow the enjoyable "Tallowood Scramble" format beginning at 8:00 a.m. Range balls will be available at 7:00 a.m. for warmup, then teams will share cart partners, a fun game, lunch and prizes.
Afternoon at the Movies:
Friday, October 17, 1:30 p.m. in ET104. This month's movie is Heaven is for Real. No registration required.
Lunch & Learn: Holiday Market:
Thursday, October 23, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Gym. This month we will host a Holiday Market. Cost: $5, payable at the door (includes lunch with advanded reservation only). Register by October 20 at tallowood.org or call Barbie Batura, ext. 8147.
Tallowood Holiday Market
Thursday, October 23
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Gym
Watercolor paintings, crafts, handmade items, and more will be available for purchase. Do your Christmas shopping early! Sponsored by the Senior Adult Council. Lunch available for $5.00 payable at the door with advanced reservations only. Lunch reservation deadline: Oct. 20. Register at tallowood.org or contact Barbie Batura at 713.468.8241, ext. 8147 or bbatura@tallowood.org.
Culinary Ministry
Wednesday Night Menus:
Starting at 4:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall East
$7.00 adults / $3.00 child
Oct. 15: Baked Pollock or Chicken & Waffles
Oct. 22: Grilled Pork Chops or Chicken & Dumplings
Tuesday Lunch Menus:
Starting at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall East
$7.00
Oct. 14: Roasted Eye of Round Steak or Mongolian Chicken
Oct. 21: Balsamic Pollock or Chicken Stew
Women's Ministry Event, "Treasured Traditions"
November 18, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Christmas is so much more than presents and decorations, so in the midst of all the activities, how can we make Christmas more meaningful this year? The women of Tallowood are invited to our annual event, "Treasured Traditions," to be inspired by the real meaning behind our holiday traditions. A love offering will be received for Gracewood Ministry families. Participants at the event will receive a booklet of favorite holiday traditions, recipes, and craft ideas. If you have one you would like to share, please e-mail it to Julie Dingman at jdingman@tallowood.org by Nov. 1, or call 713.468.8241, ext. 8186.
Write Your Heart Out
All high school girls and Women@Tallowood are invited to join us for our first service project to invest in our community, city, and world! Beauty & Grace is hosting Write Your Heart Out on Saturday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in The Point. We will be crafting, decorating, and writing letters of encouragement to our global partner, Sister Effect, our local partners, Redeemed Ministries and Elijah Rising, and our church family. Bring your friends and join us for this free event.
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Committee of Committees & Church Conference Meetings
The Committee of Committees meets Sunday, October 26 at 4:15 p.m. in the Great Room, 2nd floor, West Tower, followed by the Church Conference at 5:00 p.m..
Missions Celebration
On Sunday, October 19, the missions organizations Tallowood supports will be on exhibit in the Narthex. Please take the time to discover how you are investing in Houston, Texas and the world.
Monday Night Outreach
Monday, October 13, 2014
5:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall East
Kingdom Basketball Registration Now Open
Pre-K thru 9th grade girls and 10th grade boys learn basketball and play with church, school and neighborhood friends! Games are in January and February. Register at tallowood.org or turn in a registration form and fee at the Church office. For more information, contact Dick Fenn at 281.660.5078 or dickfenn@hotmail.com.
New Women's Ministry Newsletter
Starting this month you can find a link to our Women@Tallowood Newsletter at tallowood.org/women. Each month you will get an email reminder to check out the latest edition. If you did not receive an email and would like to be added to the list, please email Julie Dingman at jdingman@tallowood.org.
High School Retreat
All high school students are invited to attend our annual High School Retreat November 21-22 to Camp Tejas! It will be an amazing weekend as Curt Williams, head of Youth Reach Houston, leads us in our sessions. Visit tallowood.org/students for more details and registration. Cost: $89. If you have any questions about the event, email Raquel at rmaldonado@tallowood.org. Registration closes November 16.
Free Space at The Point
Free Space is our after school program for all middle school students on Tuesdays and Thursday this fall from 3:30-5:30 p.m. (except on days of early dismissal the hours are 2:00-4:00 p.m.).The Point will be open after school for middle school students and will be a safe place for students to have fun and do their homework.
Seafarers' Christmas Boxes
Please bring your women's shoe boxes to the church reception desk as soon as possible and start looking for specials on men's full size personal care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. Plan to help us pack and wrap on Saturday, October 25. Questions? Contact Charlotte Mitchell through the Missions Office.
Lasagna Sales
Culinary Ministry will be taking orders for lasagna, October 1-15. Lasagna will be frozen and ready for pick-up the week of November 11. Cost: large pan (feeds 12) is $20.00 and small pan (feeds 6) is $10.00. Orders must be received by October 15. Payment due at time of pick-up. To order, please call Jan Smith 713.468.8241, ext. 8151 or jksmith@tallowood.org.
BAPTIZED-
September 28: Kristina Levine
SYMPATHY TO-
Dale Jefferson on the death of his mother
The family of Noble Lane
The family of Kent McMahan
Clarence and Helen Sapp on the death of their grandson
CONGRATULATIONS TO-
Kevin and Rebecca Smith on the birth of Kendall Elise on September 25. Kendall weighed 9 lbs, 1 oz. and is the baby sister of Harper.
Daniel and Mallory Wiese on the birth of Adelaide Clementine on September 25. Adelaide weighed 8 lbs, 5 oz. and is the baby sister of Soren.
Mark and Melissa Turnbaugh on the birth of Macy Ellen on September 30. Macy weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz.
ENROLLMENT
for October 5 - 4,464
ATTENDANCE
Saturday:
Sept.27 - 75; Oct. 4 - 80
Sunday:
Sept. 28 - 1,462; Oct. 5 - 1,474
International:
Sept. 28 - 284; Oct. 5 - 338
Totals:
Sept. 27/28 - 1,821
Oct. 4/5 - 1,892
FINANCIAL REPORT
Budget, Oct. 2013 - Sept. 2014: $8,953,416
Dec. Requirements (15% budget): $1,343,012
Budget Requirements YTD: $8,953,416
Receipts Fiscal YTD: $8,789,734
Fiscal YTD Budget Excess/(Deficit): ($163,682)
Budget Receipts:
9/28/14 - $149,486
Requirements (weekly): $158,550
Excess/(Deficit)
9/28/14 - ($9,064)
September 27 & 28, 2014
Wayne Baker - Letter
Dee Baker - Letter
Alexis Baker - PF
Lindsay Barber - Letter
Molly Ann Barber - PF
Adam Froelich - Letter
Opal Guthrie - Letter
Brad Schuetze - SF
Cathy Schuetze - SF
Ruby Kate Singletary - PF
October 4 & 5, 2014
Jennifer Johansson - SF
Charl Miller - PF
SF = Statement of Faith
PF = Profession of Faith
On-Call Weekends
When emergencies occur, the staff uses an "on-call" system for the weekends. To reach them, call 713.724.3704.
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