Tag Archives: Pastor Frank Dietz

This Week at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland – Cosmos

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Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:

Cosmos—–the biggest picture and stretch for us to feel both miniscule and great, depending on one’s take. Interesting that Hebrew scripture helps us be in touch, sensing the urgency of the “toju wabohu” (Hebrew for primordial chaos in Genesis 1 as well as other creation texts) and takes us beyond the anxiety of the “water boundaries” explored on 1 September. The biggest picture we can grasp and yes, little old me!

Readings:

Psalm 148

Proverbs 8:22-31

Colossians 1:15-20

John 6:41-51

Some of the beautiful stained glass artwork in the sanctuary.

Some of the beautiful stained glass artwork in the sanctuary.

This Week at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland – Flora and Fauna

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Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:

This Sunday continues our probing of texts and themes related to our stewardship and celebration of creation. Last week we looked through the prism of many facets related to the ocean and its many gifts and fragile, essential nature.

This week the kalleidoscope takes an expression of flora and fauna and encourages us to cultivate, harvest, consume, and propagate responsibly.

Readings:

Psalm 104:14-23

Job 39:1-8, 26-30

1Corinthians 1:10-23

Luke 12:22-31

One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary.

One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary.

This Week at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland – September 1, 2013

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Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz

Pastor Frank chats with a member of the congregation at the close of services on May 12.

Pastor Frank chats with a member of the congregation after services on May 12.

Sunday takes us into September and our “excursion” is into facets of Creation.  This Sunday gives focus to the Oceans, their gifts and challenges and all the related water issues on our Planet Earth.  Job and the Psalter will give us counsel.  For some, the month may be a surprise in terms of the many ways creation and Creator are explored in scripture.  Likewise, the dominance of the flood image keeps us anxious and presents an interesting sense of a God who “holds back” and “contains” the waters beneath, around, above.  While we of sustained drought would long for a finger out of the dome for increased measure, the image of an involved God is full of wonder.

Theme:

Ocean

Psalm 104:1-9, 24-26

Job 38:1-18

Ephesians 1:3-10

Luke 5:1-11

This Week at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland – The Meaning of Power and Faith

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According to Pastor Frank Dietz, the service this week “has to do with matters of faith and the leap ‘into the pool of life challenges’ expressing faith and faithfulness and how ‘taking on’ God’s care in Christ makes us buoyant and much more focused . . .” The pastor also said, “We’ll step inside the meaning and power of faith to thrust us into faithfulness on a multitude of fronts.”

One of several hand-carved plaques in the sanctuary, made by John W. Thompson of Taylor, Texas.

One of several hand-carved plaques in the sanctuary, made by
John W. Thompson of Taylor, Texas. Please pardon the glare.

Readings for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost will be:

Genesis 15:1-6

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Psalms 33:12-22 and 50:1-8, 22-23

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Lucke 12:32-40

This Week at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland – July 21

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peanuts2

Pastor Frank Dietz says this about the service planned for July 21:

The Peanuts gang will assist us in exploring the for-real issues of faith and faithfulness found in the Mary & Martha episode as reported by Luke. Following last Sunday’s excursion with “the whole body and self” into the Samaritan’s good neighborliness as a person of deep caring and outreach, some further discoveries will be made. It is interesting that Charles Schultz found a way to gather a diverse and multi-gifted crowd of characters, manifesting the myriad of ways God expresses life and blessing. Perhaps we find ourselves in the cartoonist’s jests as we do in the role descriptions of the synoptic Gospel writer’s witness. All exploring faith and faithfulness are always welcome!

It will be the ninth Sunday after Pentecost.

The scripture readings are:

Amos 8:1 – 12

Psalm 52 or Genesis 18:1 – 10a

Psalm 15

Colossians 1:15 – 28

Luke 10:38 – 42

An Invitation to Fun for Kids

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picture1As a newcomer and interim sojourner in the Coupland community I am impressed by the long commitment at St. Peter’s UCC to children and the young in their community of faith and faithfulness. I am equally impressed by the “lore” as I discover ways the community has sought to “raise up” from the countryside and the small village young people of promise and helpfulness. There is a strong tone of hospitality as well, and, that takes nurturing over many years!

This coming week, for kids in quite a stretch of years (1st to 8th graders) the facilities and play area and pavilion will be hopping as children of the community are welcomed, 8:30 AM until noon Monday through Friday (10th – 14th).

Lots of preparations have been underway and a lunch will conclude each morning’s endeavors. Do help spread the word! If more information is needed, call Kim Nelson at 512-228-6147.

IMG_2748Frank H. Dietz

Interim Pastor and Teacher

St. Peter’s UCC – Coupland

The Church on the Hill