Category Archives: Events

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.

Events, YOUTH

Praise Pumpkin Patch Display

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Take Photos in Gethsemane’s Praise Pumpkin Patch
Beginning Sunday, October 23!

Come enjoy the Gethsemane Garden with the beauty of the harvest season! We have our Praise Pumpkin Patch set up again this year in the Gethsemane Garden. All are welcome to take photos in the patch!

GLCM classes will use the space for photos as well, and it will be open to the community at GLCM’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 1 pm.

Events, Giving Opportunitites

GLCM Fall Festival

Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 1 pm

Everyone is welcome! Join the fun!

We need your help to make this event a success! Volunteer to help with game booths, food, cookies, cupcakes, etc. There is also a signup sheet in the narthex and a sign-up genius going out very soon.

Questions? Email Angelica Lundquist.

Events, YOUTH

Affirmation of Baptism

Sunday, October 30th
Reformation Sunday – Remember to WEAR RED this Sunday!
Affirmation of Baptism – Reception during Sunday School at 9:30 am to honor the confirmands. All are welcome!

Since 1973, Reformation Sunday has been designated the Sunday when Gethsemane youth are invited to Affirm their Baptism in the Rite of Confirmation. Reformation Sunday is celebrated by the Lutheran/Reformation community as the Sunday to focus “on the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ-the good news– that makes us free!” The Reformation community prays for the Holy Spirit to continue uniting the church catholic in proclamation and witness for all the world to hear of the grace of God. In the blessed sacrament of “Holy Baptism, the people of God are made one body;” giving thanks for Dr. Martin Luther and all the reformers past and present.

Gethsemane youth, having completed study/participation in Gethsemane Lutheran confirmation ministry will affirm their baptism Sunday, October 30th. Family members present a candle, symbolic of the confirmand’s baptismal candle.  Continuing a Gethsemane tradition of four-plus decades, the confirmands introduce family members during the 9:30 am Sunday School Hour.  These baptized Christians claim their family faith heritage by affirming their gratitude for the nurturing they have received on their faith journey since baptism. Congratulations parents, grandparents, and extended family for encouraging the Gethsemane Lutheran 2022 Confirmation Class to live their baptismal birthright.

Events

“The Bridge” Lunch

All young families and young adults are invited to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship together!

Sunday, November 6
12 pm (following 10:30 am worship)
Phil’s Ice House (Hwy 183)

“The Bridge” is a ministry designed for young professionals, singles, and families with and without children – all people who share in this busy stage of life. Contact Alice Bassett or Stephanie Scheffel for more information.

Events, Ministry

Blessing of the Animals

Bring your pets to worship on Sunday, October 2nd at 10:30 am for a blessing!

  • All friendly pets welcome
  • Please keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier
  • Consider bringing pet food or toy donations for the Austin Humane Society

Can’t bring your pet(s) to worship with you?
Post a photo of your pet on our Facebook page starting Saturday morning, October 1 to receive a virtual blessing!

Pastor Gronberg will also continue the annual Blessing of the Animals tradition at the Austin Humane Society (AHS) on St. Francis Day, Monday October 3rd. AHS donors are invited to join with Pastor Gronberg and Dar Krenek in this traditional blessing. Thanks to Erin Jolly and Gethsemane neighbors at the Austin Humane Society for sharing their commitment to dogs, cats and humans in the Austin community. Everyone needs a “furever home”.

Learn more about St. Francis of Assisi.

Events, YOUTH

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 14 during 10:30 am Worship

As a new school year begins, students of all ages are invited to receive a backpack blessing and backpack tag from Gethsemane during worship to remember that God is with you everywhere you go.

Remember to bring your backpack to worship!

Events, YOUTH

2022 Senior High Youth Trip

“Boundless Grace” Senior High Youth Trip: July 11-15 in Minnesota

Gethsemane senior high youth will enjoy six days of fun, fellowship and growing in faith in Minnesota. Plans include seeing a Minnesota Twins game, touring the Mall of America, visiting with Don & Anne Roefer, plus much more! Thanks to all the support given by Gethsemane Lutheran congregants supporting the youth of our community.

Please pray for our senior high youth and sponsors as they prepare for this great adventure.

Trip Schedule:

  • Monday, July 11: Youth fly from Austin to Minneapolis/St. Paul International. Take rented vans to the Embassy Suites Airport for room assignments. Monday afternoon and evening hosted by former Gethsemane youth Sheri LaValle Pottebaum, husband Todd, children Savannah, Jeager, Jax and her dad, Gethsemane member Art LaValle at their Lake Minnetonka home—picnic, swimming, boat excursion, jet skiing.
  • Tuesday, July 12: Morning tour of Augsburg University, alma mater of Sharon Gronberg and Rhia Spears, a university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hosted by Augsburg staff member Terry McGinley; visit Luther Seminary, a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, having celebrated in June 2022 their 153rd commencement, the alma mater of Pastor Karl Gronberg and Bishop Erik Gronberg. Tuesday afternoon visit the famous Mall of America, dinner with Rhia Spears, husband George, children Oyate and Ayuya.
  • Wednesday, July 13: Drive in two vans to St. Peter, Minnesota home of Gustavus Adolphus College, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, see Christ Chapel where Pastor Karl Gronberg was ordained. Afternoon private group tour of Petroglyphs learning of the indigenous people of southwestern Minnesota. Wednesday evening meal provided by Gethsemane members Don & Anne Roefer at their home in Jeffers, Minnesota. Gethsemane Council member Jill Roefer will assist her parents with the meal. The youth will spend the night at Shalom Hill Farm, a ministry of the ELCA.
  • Thursday, July 14: Gethsemane travelers bid farewell to the Jeffers, driving through the Minnesota countryside returning to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Due to the generosity of Gethsemane congregants and their commitment to youth ministry an Event Suite has been reserved for the youth and the adults with indoor and outdoor seating, catered meal and Target Field Jumbotron signage welcoming Gethsemane youth to the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox.
  • Friday, July 15: Return home with memories and friendships!

Events, VBS

“Discovery Canyon” Vacation Bible School

Join Gethsemane Lutheran’s “Discovery Canyon” VBS Week:
June 20-24, 2022 from 8:45 am to 12 pm

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked.” – Psalm 9:1

Register Your Child for VBS Week
Volunteer and/or Order VBS T-Shirts

Register Your Child to Attend VBS Week

Gethsemane invites all children age 3 by June 20, 2022 and including those completing 6th grade to register for our FREE in-person VBS Week! 6th graders may also choose to assist as a volunteer. 7th graders and older can sign up to assist with VBS as volunteers. You are encouraged to invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to participate in this fun outreach ministry!

Each day begins with opening songs and stories in the sanctuary at 8:45 am. You are welcome to come any time after 8 am; there will be supervision on the church grounds. The morning includes storytelling, music, craft time, recreation/games, and a light snack. Each day there will be an opportunity to bring an offering of money or canned goods to support the Gethsemane Food Pantry.

***Each day the person picking up their child(ren) after VBS must come in to the narthex to sign them out for the day with their group leader.***

All are invited to the closing program on Friday morning at 11:30 am in the sanctuary followed by a hotdog lunch in the Multi-Purpose Room with a freewill offering to help with VBS expenses.

Volunteer at VBS

We need help in the craft area, preparing and serving snacks, the storytelling room, games, and being a guide to lead the children from one area to another. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and make a difference in the lives of children. You are invited to volunteer even if you can only assist one day. Gethsemane is grateful to all who lead Vacation Bible School! Adults of all ages as well as 6th graders and older can sign up to volunteer at VBS.

Order VBS T-Shirts

Gethsemane VBS 2022 T-Shirts are available for $12 or $15 each. Your shirts will be delivered during VBS. Order and pay by Monday, June 6th to be guaranteed a shirt. Deliver cash or check payable to Gethsemane to the church office. You may also pay online using the “OTHER (please specify)” section and adding an additional 3% processing fee.

VBS Daily Themes

Each day will include a different story from the Bible.
Prepare at home for the daily fun and excitement of VBS.

Monday: Liz says to REJOICE!
Parting of the Red Sea; Song of Miriam
Exodus 14:21-24; 15:19-21



Tuesday: Max says to PRAY!
Hannah prays for a child
I Samuel 1:9-27


Wednesday: Olivia says to ASK!
A storm
Matthew 8:23-27


Thursday: Blossom says to TELL!
A dying girl and a sick woman
Matthew 9:18-26


Friday: Felix says to SEEK!
Jesus heals a man who cannot walk
Luke 5:17-26