Category Archives: Mission Work

Events, Giving Opportunitites, Ministry, Mission Work, YOUTH

God’s Work Our Hands & Rally Sunday

Sunday, September 10

Don’t miss this exciting day at Gethsemane! Wear or plan to purchase a “God’s Work Our Hands” shirt to wear for this day of service together.

Sign up to volunteer

Gather for Rally Sunday in the multipurpose room at 9:30 am to celebrate the beginning of a new year of growing in faith together. After the opening, children and youth will meet with their teachers. Parents are asked to go with them to get them registered.

Following the 10:30 am worship, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by Gethsemane members Greg & Debbie Pitts (aka Rusted Shut BBQ) in the multipurpose room.

After lunch, participate in the annual “God’s Work Our Hands” multi-generational opportunity for service work restoring/reconciling communities.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Make pet toys for the Austin Humane Society
  • Donate food and clothes for the Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
  • Give blood at the “We Are Blood” blood mobile in the Gethsemane parking lot
  • Contribute birthday party supplies for single mother families at The Jeremiah Project
  • Work on GLCM outdoor playground beautification
  • Clean up around the church campus, including the kitchen pantry and MPR tables
  • Sign greeting cards to Gethsemane members in need of love and prayers
  • Bring baked goods to deliver to local emergency responders and to enjoy as a community after lunch
  • Donate costumes, dress-up, pajamas, and accessories (ALL MUST BE NEW) and/or monetary donations for Katrina’s Cocoon Crew to bring smiles to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses
  • Make a Blanket of Love
  • Help serve the BBQ lunch

Signup sheets for each of these opportunities are available in the narthex or sign up online.

See you there!

Giving Opportunitites, Mission Work

Candoli “Christmas in July” School Supply Drive benefitting T.A. Brown Elementary School

In Memory of Dr. Carl Candoli…”Every Child Can Learn!”

Donate School Supplies through Sunday, August 6:

  • Rulers
  • Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
  • Composition Books
  • Spiral Notebooks
  • 1″ Binders
  • #2 Pencils
  • Pencil Boxes
  • Erasers
  • Colored Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Plastic Folders with built-in brads (in primary colors)
  • Monetary Donations (Please make checks out to “GLC” and be sure to write “T.A. Brown” in the memo line.)

Thanks so much for helping “Every Child Learn” at T.A. Brown Elementary!

Advent, Giving Opportunitites, Mission Work

Angel Tree 2022

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It’s that time of year again! Gethsemane Lutheran members and families are invited to continue a neighborhood holiday tradition by sponsoring T.A. Brown Elementary School children and families. Once again, we’re asking individuals/families to donate gift cards that can be purchased through Gethsemane Lutheran Children’s Ministry (GLCM).

Choose an Angel Tree Ornament

Angel Tree Instructions

  1. Visit the Angel Tree Sign Up and select a family dinner and/or a child to sponsor (in the children’s slots, the M or F indicates gender). Provide your name, email, and phone number.
  2. Once you have signed up, purchase gift cards from either HEB (for family dinners) or Target/Walmart (for children’s gifts). For the blanket, give a check or $15 cash, do not buy a gift card. Please bring your gift card and/or money to Pastor Susie or Dar in an envelope labeled with the Angel number, the name of the family and/or child, and your name.
  3. Recommended amounts: children’s gifts $50 each and family dinners: families of 3 at least $75, families of 4-5 at least $100, and families of 6-8 at least $150.
  4. The deadline to complete your Angel Tree gift is Sunday, December 11th.

Thank you for your support of this ministry. Merry Christmas!

Events, Mission Work

Annual Gethsemane and San Lucas Encuentro/Encounter Weekend

January 13-15, 2023
Eagle Pass, TX

This is a special “encounter” or “encuentro” weekend for Gethsemane and San Lucas congregations to work side by side and expand our vision of ministry together. San Lucas is celebrating their 35-year history and Gethsemane has been a part of that ministry for over 26 years.

View the printed mission trip brochure.

  • All are “Called by Grace,” to participate: youth, singles, couples, those with and without children, from the very young to the not-so-young. There is something for all levels of ability. Youth under 18 are asked to have a parent or guardian along for the weekend experience.
  • “Led by Faith, Welcoming All to Share God’s Love” – This is a great opportunity to work, worship, eat, and share together with the community of San Lucas.
  • “God’s Work. Our Hands” – Saturday we will be working alongside members of San Lucas. Your special gifts will be to be put to use. Part of the group will do a modified Bible School experience in the afternoon with the children in the area. We will worship in Spanish Sunday morning. Be ready for some special fun this year!

Passports or birth certificates will NOT be needed as we will not be crossing the border as a group!

For any questions, speak to Pastor Susie or Dar Joy Krenek.

SCHEDULE

  • Friday arrival and check-in at hotel
  • Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided at San Lucas
  • Saturday work projects will begin after breakfast
  • Sunday breakfast provided, followed by worship

WHAT TO BRING

  • Snacks, games, and goodies for sharing
  • Musical instruments
  • Tools

ACCOMMODATIONS

We will be using the building and outdoor areas at Iglesia Luterana San Lucas for meals, VBS, and other activities BUT we will not be sleeping there. Please make your reservations at one of the motels close by. San Lucas is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Southwest Texas Synod, in Eagle Pass, Texas.

COST

The cost listed below for the weekend includes supplies for the work we do, and 4 meals: Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast (travel meals are on your own).

Cash or Check Cost (add $5 per registration to pay online):
$50 per person, ages 13 and above;
$25 per person, ages 4-12 (3 & under are free!)
$125 suggested maximum per family.

*Please make checks payable to Gethsemane Lutheran.
Payment is due by Jan. 8th.

Register for the Gethsemane & San Lucas Encuentro/Encounter Weekend

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Special gifts may be given to help with project supplies and to support the ministries of San Lucas. All financial gifts are appreciated. Give online designating Border Missions.

Giving Opportunitites, Learning, Ministry, Mission Work, YOUTH

God’s Work Our Hands and Rally Sunday 2022

Sunday, September 11th

Don’t miss this exciting day at Gethsemane! Wear or plan to purchase a “God’s Work Our Hands” shirt to wear for this day of service together.

Sign Up to Help

Gather for Rally Sunday in the multipurpose room at 9:30 am to celebrate the beginning of a new year of growing in faith together. After the opening, children and youth will meet with their teachers. Parents are asked to go with them to get them registered.

Following the 10:30 am worship, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by Gethsemane members Greg & Debbie Pitts (aka Rusted Shut BBQ) in the multipurpose room.

After lunch, participate in the annual “God’s Work Our Hands” multi-generational opportunity for service work restoring/reconciling communities.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Make pet toys for the Austin Humane Society
  • Donate food and clothes for the Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
  • Give blood at the “We Are Blood” blood mobile in the Gethsemane parking lot
  • Contribute birthday party supplies for single mother families at The Jeremiah Project
  • Work on GLCM outdoor campus beautification
  • Clean up around the church campus, including the kitchen pantry and MPR tables
  • Sign greeting cards to Gethsemane members in need of love and prayers
  • Bring baked goods to deliver to local emergency responders and to enjoy as a community after lunch
  • Donate costumes, dress-up, pajamas, and accessories (ALL MUST BE NEW) and/or monetary donations for Katrina’s Cocoon Crew to bring smiles to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses

Signup sheets for each of these opportunities are available in the narthex or email info@gethsemaneaustin.org to sign up.

See you there!

Mission Work

Christmas in July

Candoli “Christmas in July” School Supply Drive
benefitting T.A. Brown Elementary School

In Memory of Dr. Carl Candoli…”Every Child Can Learn!”

Donate School Supplies through Sunday, August 7:

  • Rulers
  • Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
  • Composition Books
  • Spiral Notebooks
  • 1″ Binders
  • #2 Pencils
  • Pencil Boxes
  • Erasers
  • Colored Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Plastic Folders with built-in brads (in primary colors)
  • Monetary Donations (Please make checks out to “GLC” and be sure to write “T.A. Brown” in the memo line.)

Thanks so much for helping “Every Child Learn” at T.A. Brown Elementary!

Events, Giving Opportunitites, Mission Work, YOUTH

Youth Tackle Hunger: 32nd Annual Souper Bowl of Caring

Bring non-perishables and cash for the Gethsemane Food Pantry on Sunday, February 13

For 32 years, this event has transformed Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving/serving. Thousands of youth groups and passionate individuals unite to “Tackle Hunger Together”. Gethsemane youth will greet the community (they will not tackle you) following the 10:30 am liturgy inviting the Gethsemane faithful to give a gift benefiting the Gethsemane Food Pantry. Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of this ministry by giving a generous donation on “Souper Bowl Sunday.” 

Giving Opportunitites, Mission Work

GIVING OPTIONS

GIVING MADE EASY—Did you know we offer electronic giving? You can contribute anywhere, anytime right from your computer, smartphone or tablet!

*Give online at www.gethsemaneaustin.org by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button on the left side bar.

*Download our NEW free mobile app by searching for “GivePlus” in the App Store or Google Play. Below is a link to a document to explain how the app works:

GivePlus mobile app infohttp://gethsemaneaustin.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/GivePlus_Mobile_How_It_Works_2019.pdf

*OR…..Mail in your offering using your personalized and self-addressed white envelopes or a regular envelope.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

Events, Ministry, Mission Work, YOUTH

Community Connection Initiative

As part of our ELCA Mental Health Ministry Grant, Gethsemane’s Community Connection Initiative is designed to help each of us work proactively to look after the mental well-being of ourselves and others. Make plans to get involved with projects that center around supporting mental health within our community. Also, acts of service support your own mental health as well!

“You Are Loved” Signs

We are excited to have Gethsemane Lutheran Church yard signs, posters and magnets to help us let people know we are thinking of them and they are loved! If you would like to help deliver/mail signs or if you know of someone who simply needs to know they are loved by the Gethsemane community, please contact Pastor Susie at info@gethsemaneaustin.org.

Gethsemane’s Friend-to-Friend Program

Join this fun Friend-to-Friend program by visiting with a Gethsemane friend every two weeks from October to March. This structured program will help keep us connected during the winter months. The program runs from October 2020 to March 2021. Whether you are 100 years old or a senior high school student, there is a place for you! Friend Calls will occur about every 2 weeks for 15 minutes each. You can sign up to be a Friend that calls or receive a call from a Friend. A short Zoom training will help Friends that call. Let’s stay connected! Sign up via email: info@gethsemaneaustin.org.

Look What’s Cookin’…The Casserole Ministry!

If you can provide a casserole (homemade or store-bought) to a Gethsemane friend to lift their spirits or just revive their joy in dining during these unprecedented times, contact info@gethsemaneaustin.org. Casseroles should be in a non-returnable container, they do not need to include any additional sides or items and they should be delivered via porch-dropoff when the recipient is home. We will provide you with name, address, contact info and any necessary dietary restrictions. Let’s Get Cookin’!

Bereavement Sympathy Cards

We’re beginning another new ministry of sending sympathy cards to families who have lost a loved one during this difficult time. If you would like to help with this ministry please contact info@gethsemaneaustin.org.