Discover how we're making a difference

Helping People in need

This year the annual benefit raised $7,100. Proceeds will again be used to help God's people who are in need, to promote the education of seminarians through the Firnhaber Seminary Education Fund, and to address other identified needs.

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Milestones
by Janice Daily

I have had the privilege, honor, and pleasure to support the team that recognizes the senior high graduation class of TLLC for several years.  This celebration reminds me of what the congregation states when a new baby is baptized, “We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming words to all the world.” more

Impacting Kids' Lives
by Courtney Mumme

I'm back safe and sound from my second year in the Dominican Republic. Thank you so much for everything you did and sent, for all of the prayers and donations; every little bit helped! The kids loved all the soccer balls and the crafts we made with the materials given to us. The teachers were extremely appreciative of all the vitamins we got this year!

TLLC member Courtney Mumme traveled with a group from her school, Hill Country Christian School of Austin, to the Dominican Republic to work at a charity organization. While there, she volunteered at the Makarios School teaching the students, making crafts with them, cleaning the school facilities, and providing maintenance at the Makarios house.

Helping Families in the Community

by Susan Olson

My family had the wonderful opportunity to work on a Habitat for Humanity house here in Austin last Saturday. I've always been interested in Habitat, but never acted on it. When I saw that our church group was going to do this, I knew the time was right and we signed up. We started at 8:00 am and my daughter and I decided we should paint since it was something we knew. She painted, but I was moved to caulking while my husband was digging a trench for a French drain. It was a great fellowship opportunity with other church members while we helped a couple of families in the Austin community. It was hard work, but definitely something that I'll never forget and something my whole family wants to do again. I encourage everyone at TLLC to think about donating some of your valuable time to Austin Habitat for Humanity-it's a rewarding experience!!  more

Oh the places you'll go!
On Friday March 23, the Penguin class held its second annual International Day, showcasing foods, toys, art, and sights of other countries. They traveled with their passports to Japan, Germany, Ireland, India, and Mexico where they sampled local cuisine, did an art activity, saw items from the country, and even got to see an Irish jig performed.

Practical Faith in Action
by John and Arlene Campbell
On Palm Sunday, TLLC proudly displays the quilts that will be sent to Lutheran World Relief. LWR distributes them to people around the world to provide warmth, comfort, and even shelter. Thanks to those at TLLC and at Bethany United Methodist Church involved in our quilting project: donors of material, people who transport the material to work stations, sewers and tiers, those who place the quilts on the pews, those who pack the quilts into boxes and transport and truck them to LWR. This has been a practical opportunity to put our faith into action. As St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10 "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." Last year quilts sent to Lutheran World Relief helped over 600,000 needy people in 63 countries. A year ago we set a goal of 212 quilts for 2012, and we created 251! 

TLC for Bull Creek by TLLC 
Twenty-six TLLC members of all ages gave their Saturday morning last week to care for our creek. We met at church bright and early and carpooled to St. Edwards Park on Old Spicewood Springs Road. We hiked about 15 minutes up one of the trails and set to work picking up trash and cutting down thorny vines. We were happy to see that the trails and the creek were quite clean, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Bull Creek Foundation and neighbors that care enough to pick up trash every time they walk the trails. But off trail, deep in the brush, we found enough to fill several big bags, and some things too big to fit into a bag...like plastic from the bottom of a car and a plastic table! It was hard to pick the most unusual and interesting trash item, but Nicholas Orth took the prize with an old metal breaker box. The spring-fed water was crystal clear and ice cold but that didn't stop several of the kids from jumping in off a rope swing and walking along the creek to look for trash.  more

What a Hoot! 
by Becca Halaney

Have you ever seen a live screech owl up close? I mean really close? Well, last Saturday night, about 60 people in the TLLC Fellowship Hall got to do just that! Sally Delahoussie of Austin Wildlife Rescue brought 2 rescued owls and spent about 45 minutes telling us all about owls in Texas. She even talked to us in owl speech. It was amazing! After that we watched Hoot, a movie about some kids who prevent the building of a pancake house on owl nesting grounds. Watching a movie in the Fellowship Hall was really fun. Some people brought their own comfy chairs, blankets, and pillows, and we had popcorn and lemonade. Several people said they'd like to do this again, so hopefully we will.  

The Rock
By Carolyn Getting

When I came to church recently, I was reminded of how the past is connected to the present and how we are all connected to God when I visited “the rock.” In 1989 when my husband, Jan, and I relocated from Bossier City, Louisiana to the Austin area, we were making a house payment in Bossier; I was drawing unemployment (it was during a bad economic downturn) and to avoid overstaying at my parents’ house, we agreed to house sit. It was there that I acquired the little succulent that I have had now for over 20 years.  The delightful little plant grows where you throw it and blooms little white star flowers.

In the parking lot median opposite the office entrance of the church, there is a large rock with indentations that have collected a little soil and collects water from time to time. I took some of that succulent up to the church years ago and put it on that rock. It grows there now, hanging down over the rock. It is a reminder to me of how God took care of us during our time of need, and of how the church unites us with him in good times and bad times. When I take the time to stop at the rock and see the little plant growing there, it is with a prayerful and grateful heart that I say, “Thank you, Jesus!”

Amazing Memories
by Carrie Thayer

Like many of you, I grew up going to Lutheran summer camp, specifically Camp Lutherhill in LaGrange and Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville. I always came away from those weeks with amazing memories and a renewed spirit. But did you know that those same camps offer family camps? My family got to experience our first one this past December at Chrysalis' Family Advent Festival. It was a two-night weekend getaway for our entire family (even our 2-year-old went) filled with lots of Advent crafts, outdoor activities, worship, and fantastic fellowship. It was such a great way to prepare for the arrival of our Lord, grow as a family and in our faith. Plus, the accommodations couldn't have been better. One of the best parts for me was that I didn't have to cook (or clean) for 6 meals! Yahoo!

In November, a few of our upper elementary boys enjoyed a weekend retreat at Camp Lutherhill. We would like to expand this ministry at TLLC. There are several upcoming retreats available that I would like you to be aware of. Please contact me if you are interested in any of the retreats:  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call (512) 215-0999. more

Giving Hope
by Natalie Vaz

To me, poverty is something that you have to see to believe. Just reading about it or seeing pictures doesn't give you the full experience. In Laredo, we were able to experience it first hand. Our mission trip consisted of driving down there and delivering Christmas gifts to families that otherwise wouldn't have much of anything at all. The first thing I noticed when I saw Bri handing the gifts to the kids and adults was the smiles on their faces. Most of these gifts were probably around $20, and that was probably all they would get. I think this made all of us realize how lucky we are, and appreciate all that we have a lot more. The other thing I noticed was how caring Mariana was. Mariana runs the Mission in Laredo. There always seems to be a smile on her face, and she NEVER gives up hope. If she is in a tough situation she doesn't panic, but adjusts her plans and asks for help. I never really thought about how hard it is to ask for help until our trip to the border. But asking for help is what Mariana is best at, and luckily she seems to be getting a lot of it. Basically, what I learned in Laredo is to always be thankful for what you have. Also, I learned what a good feeling helping someone gives you, and you don't just do it because you need service hours but because you are a servant of God.

Sharing Joy
by Kelly Condon
 
TLLC holds church services on the first Sunday of every month for the residents of The Village at the Arboretum. In December, members of our cherub choir did an encore performance of the song "Let Them Come." The residents enjoyed their special music as well as singing Christmas carols with the kids. We were also blessed to get to hold recently hatched chicks that had been brought in by a 4-H friend of The Village residents. If you are interested in volunteering for the service, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The various volunteer positions include readers, musicians, singers, communion assistants, and individuals who would be willing to give a devotion.

Helping Hands 

This holiday season TLLC confirmation classes worked with Mobile Loaves and Fishes to create Survival Kits for their clients. Each student brought along items to put in the kits like deodorant, feminine hygiene items, travel soap and shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and granola bars. They also made Christmas cards that we included in the kits.

Giving Life
by Mary Halaney

For most of my adult life, I successfully avoided giving blood. I always had an excuse - I was too small, I was a pregnant or nursing mother, I might get HIV, I was at work during the blood drives, I didn't have time, I didn't have anyone available to watch the kids, I gave of myself in so many other ways, and on and on and on.  more

Encouragement and Support
by Janis Coltin

The Triumphant Team joined over 20,000 participants in the 2011 Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure on November 13. Our TLLC team had four breast cancer survivors and 14 friends and family members. Other TLLC members also walked with teams from their neighborhoods or workplaces. The race started at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and looped around the State Capitol grounds. The weather was perfect that morning-mostly sunny and around 70°. The color pink was everywhere.

Our team wore the Race for the Cure t-shirts: pink for survivors and white for supporters. TLLC's seventh grade confirmation class assembled small pink ribbon pins for us to wear. Our team was ready for the 8 a.m. start but, due to the crowd, we didn't actually reach the starting line for at least ten minutes. Cheering squads along the route gave encouragement to the participants. Therapy dogs were also available for petting.

Our team linked arms and celebrated as we crossed the finish line. We were glad to support this fundraiser for breast cancer treatment, screening, and education programs. Thank you to all TLLC members who supported us through their prayers and contributions.

An Inspirational Experience
by Carol Holck
 
The cast of 40 people gathered in the hallway just before showtime. Our director asked us to share what had been most meaningful about our experience in Moses and the Burning Within. As we went around the circle, almost everyone spoke about the delight of being a part of a group of people that had become very close. We all met people we did not know before. We all mingled with people of a different generation. We all worked hard together to have a show we could be proud of and in the meantime came to love and care deeply for each other. There were tears as we realized that this particular gathering of people would now end. There was appreciation for the prayers we had shared with and for each other. And there was pride that we had completed such an awesome project!  more
 

A Life-changing Adventure
by Joyce Moeller

(excerpts from Joyce's blog posts while in Ethiopia)
Our trip was more than I could have imagined. I love Ethiopia and its kind and gentle people. Most men, women, and children wear crosses. It was a wonderful expression of their faith, ... and they are some of the poorest people on this earth. While there, we visited the TLLC well that was finished in 2008. When I saw the sign with Funded by TLLC (spelled out), it was a very emotional moment. Every $10 donation to W2T has changed the life of one person in that area...and I've seen THE well and even chatted with the people via an interpreter. It is a powerful experience, and we thank God that so many people in the U.S. want to reach out to those who have so little.

We saw the joy of clean water being pumped as well as communities where they desperately need clean water. I understand so much more about the need now ...most Americans can't grasp the need because we've simply not seen these remote communities and their incredibly difficult circumstances.

Read more about the trip and see photos on the trip blog at: Water to Thrive

The Holy Spirit Witnessed Again
by Ed Scharlau

For two weeks in October Rennie and I were privileged to share the message of the Water to Thrive story in Iowa. We were based at Wartburg College (one of our ELCA colleges) in Waverly, Iowa. While on campus we met with Ethiopian students, presented in advanced classes on service and not-for-profit leadership, and provided the message at chapel. 
While in central Iowa we had the opportunity to engage churches and pastors and deliver temple talks and children's messages. We presented in the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle and High Schools and at St. Paul's Lutheran Elementary School. While walking down the corridor for our second presentation at the public middle school, we heard the music of the DVD we had provided for the introduction to our work. The link is:  A Glimmer of Hope (password: glimmer **if needed) Enjoy the message and the music. more

Changing lives in our community

Caritas would like to recognize and thank the Triumphant Love Lutheran Church Endowment for their grant of $3,000. This grant will help support the Access to Jobs Project that assists clients who are homeless and/or extremely low-income or newly resettled documented refugees fleeing religious/political persecution. The TLLC Endowment reaches out to those in need through grants to non-profit organizations.

Growing Together in Faith
by Jean Olson

"Bridging the Chasm: Forgiveness" was the theme of the Fall Women's Retreat at Ebert Ranch in Harper, Texas. Fourteen women came together to share their faith and reframe their lives with compassion, love, and humility.

Reaching out to our neighbors
by Vicki French

On October 3, we held a worship service at the retirement community next door to TLLC. I will say it was awesome! The time spent was so special for all who attended. We received positive feedback from everyone there and the only request was that we sing more at the next service. We look forward to the service on November 6 being even better. The Holy Spirit shines in the people at the Village and at TLLC. We want to thank Ed Perron for playing guitar & Laura Bell for serving communion.

All God's Creatures
by Debbie Sands

In remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures, TLLC held a Blessing of the Animals service Sunday afternoon, October 2.  We were blessed with a beautiful fall day that brought out church members and neighbors with over 20 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rats, a guinea pig, and a hamster to be blessed.  We shared scripture, prayer, and hymns, followed by Pastor Skip's patient blessing of each pet.

1,000 Pounds of Food
by Jack Stueber

On Bread for the World Sunday, TLLC members donated approximately 1,000 pounds of food to Hill Country Community Ministries. Those who helped me get the food to Leander were Dave Polzin, Pastor Skip, Mike St. John, Don Visness, and Bev Stueber. A big thank you to everyone who gave groceries and cash. The shelves at HCCM look much better now!

TLLCers Race for Water 2 Thrive

250 runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and musicians gathered on Labor Day at the Dell Diamond to celebrate the gift of clean water for Africa and cooler weather. Thanks to all the TLLCers who participated or cheered the participants at this fun-filled family event. The new venue and wooded race route through Old Settler's Park was enjoyed by the runners and walkers.

Reaching out across the world
by Mary Halaney

I've just mailed a box of rolled sheet bandages, made by TLLC members and friends, to Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis, to be sent across the world to countries sorely in need of medical supplies.  It's hard to believe that anyone in this day and age would want bandages made from strips of clean used sheets.  It's so easy to forget that the way we live here is very different from how the majority of the world lives. more
 

Delivering Delight
by Jon Martin

Many thanks to everyone who made the backpack and school supply drive so successful. We exceeded our goal and delivered 150 backpacks in sizes for elementary, middle and high school students plus supplies for more than 150 students. In addition, Josh Martin, Pedro Barreda, and I took clothing, toys, and office equipment donated by TLLC members. The backpacks and supplies were handed out after the church service in El Cenizo at the Agua Viva church to the delight of 100 school children and teens. Pastors Moises and Mariana serve four other colonias besides El Cenizo plus programs in Nuevo Laredo--some of the supplies went to other colonias. The Mission Laredo center is in downtown Laredo and the colonias are outside Laredo. Thanks to the generous giving of the TLLC family we have been able to help our brothers and sisters since the beginning of the Laredo Mission which was started by the Mendezes and the ELCA eight years ago.

Growing Hope for Refugees

TLLC member Johnson Doe runs the Multicultural Refugee Coalition. It's a non-profit that helps refugees get acquainted with the Austin community. The group has a couple of plots reserved for their clients to grow food their own food at the Festival Beach Community Garden. Doe said the garden gives the clients something to work towards. "What happens is these people don't speak English. So it's just hard for them to get work and so we want them to feel at home and the only thing they can do to feel at home is to get a place to work," he said. Doe said the community garden is cozy even with 70 members. Gardeners are able to take home whatever they produce from their plot. Many times, the members share produce and donate it to food pantries.

 Bringing Comfort to the Community
by Ellie Erchinger
 
A delightful young lady, Whitney Presley, came in to the church office last week to express her thanks for our Resurrection Garden and to leave a significant financial gift.  She, as a young child, and her family were members of TLLC in the early 80s and she now lives nearby and is a member of another church.  She has had several losses in her life, but joyfully, shares that she spends time in our garden and it brings her great comfort.

Reaching Beyond Our Community
by Michael Coltin

Yesterday was another great day in Chicago. We went back to the Cornerstone Community Outreach that we had been at the day before. The previous day we had helped out in the food pantry and spent some time getting to know the residents by joining them for lunch. Yesterday we volunteered in the program's "Free Store." The Free Store takes clothing donations and offers them for free for those in need. It's pretty cool. The store had been closed for a couple of weeks and is actually scheduled to reopen today, July 15th. We spent the day organizing new donations, fixing up the store, and we even had a time for a little dress up.  After our work at Cornerstone, we all agreed to get lunch for a dollar apiece, to get a better idea of how the people we were serving live every single day. We were all surprised how hard it was to get a full meal, but all of us were fed. After lunch we came back to the apartment and napped. And napped. And napped a little bit more. Chicago is exhausting! We woke up to an excellent fettucine alfredo prepared by Bri. Our evening activity was seeing the midnight premiere of the new Harry Potter movie in IMAX 3D at Navy Pier!!!!! It was super awesome. Lydia got interviewed by the news. I'm pretty sure I saw Adam do a backflip. Most everybody liked the movie. Today we are talking to a local pastor about service and catching the Cubs game. Maybe you'll see us on tv!

The Twelve Best Things about Stephen Ministry Leader's Training

Janice Daily attended Stephen Ministry Leader's Training in Dallas from July 10-16. Her husband, Calvin, went with her as chauffeur and support.

1.  Everyone taking the training had a lanyard name tag and they would say "Good Morning" and "How are you?". Those greetings came from the heart.
2. Walking down the hallways seeing groups of two or more gathered in prayer or reading a devotion together.
3. Arriving 15 minutes early to join in the singing of hymns of praise and adoration before we began our day.  more

Making Connections
by Chelsea Woodmancy

This trip so far has been amazing! Normally, towards the end of a youth trip everyone is finally getting to know each other, however because we were practically forced to be closed in a train for 28 hours we HAD to get to know each other faster. Because of this I feel like we will make an even bigger impact while in Chicago, due to the fact that we feel so much like a family, and it only took one day. I am excited to go to see Harry Potter probably more than anything, however the number one thing that I am the most excited about is to see and experience how much of a change we can make in other people's lives, no matter how great or small.

Beach Bash!

More than 70 volunteers created an incredible week-long Beach Bash for 165 kids.  Every child was treated to a Bible Story, Music, Crafts, Snacks, Games, and a little dose of Science every day. The children ranged in age from 3-11 and our volunteers were aged 12-70-plus! We even had a nursery filled with 0-2 year olds. Volunteers cut out things, served as camp nurses, acted in skits, coordinated each of the six stations, decorated the whole building from sanctuary to CDC, guided children from place to place, painted sets, built things, shopped for materials, rocked babies, made snow cones, set up and cleaned up, and prayed for us. And Katherine De Vos, our VBS Director, held it all together! To every one of you - whether your face is in this picture or not - we say THANK YOU!

When Minds Wander!
by Ed Scharlau

Reflections on my way to Pentecost Worship June 12, 2011 and a celebration of Pr. Norb's ten years with TLLC. Many things happen to each of us each day and Sundays are no different except we have some special time with our Lord in our house of worship at TLLC. And like every other Sunday many thoughts go through my mind even while I try to focus on worship.

So on this Sunday -- an early arrival to help in the kitchen, job done and time to greet many -- some I have not seen in some time and a lot of chat about a lot of things.  more

Children’s Musical at TLLC
by Pastor Skip

The production of “Malice in the Palace” was nothing less than remarkable.  Throughout the week of Music Camp, I informed and then reminded the children that they would be preaching as they performed. And did they preach!!  God’s presence, power, and peace personified in the lives of Esther and Mordecai for the Children of Israel was the message heard loudly and clearly. Hats off to Carol Holck, the Music Camp staff, and the participants for a JOB WELL DONE!

More than Just Cooking
by Julie Klock

We’ve been busy in the kitchen for the past two weeks! Last week two dozen 4th, 5th, & 6th graders gathered to bake, cook, study the Bible, and generally enjoy one another. This week, sixteen 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders are doing the same thing, with a bit less cutting and chopping. We made everything from Monkey Bread to Chicken Salad. Each camper brought dinner home for his or her family on Thursday night.  The older groups rode a city bus to Central Market and the younger group walked to Amy’s Ice Cream for a fun outing. Everyone made napkins, napkin rings, and aprons; sang songs (and danced); and learned how to set the table. We also played lots of games and laughed a lot!

TLLC Member Serves with Mission Group

Over Spring Break, TLLC member Courtney Mumme (pictured far left) traveled with a group from her school, Hill Country Christian School of Austin, to the Dominican Republic to work at a charity organization. While there, she volunteered at the Makarios School teaching the students, making crafts with them, cleaning the school facilities, providing maintenance at the Makarios house, and visiting the surrounding villages. Needless to say, the group had a lot of work cut out for them when they got there!

Help, Healing, and Hope

Every year, TLLC members support the Make A Difference benefit for New Life Children’s Treatment Center, run by Lutheran Social Services. The event raises money to provide services to the abused and neglected girls, ages 11 – 17 who live at New Life. See New Life Children's Center to learn more about New Life Treatment Center.

25 Years of Silver Sand
by Cathey Arnold

Janice Daily said I should start this “story” with two quotes that I made famous through the years:

“Our (Triumphant Love) office performs CPR” and we handle priorities like an emergency triage unit (not true medical emergencies but deadline emergencies). We ask questions – is it bleeding, is it broken, are you breathing, is it your heart, blink if you can hear me? Translates – is it due or needed now, in 30 minutes, tonight, Sunday, next month – (unspoken) is this the office’s priority OR is it your priority…Is this a rush because you are leaving at 2:00 for Europe for the summer?... Just kidding…we’ve strived to maintain utmost professionalism – death, illnesses, hospitalizations, funerals always take priority.  more

MOSES Dinner Big Success
by Carol Holck

More than 50 people showed up for the MOSES and the Burning Within kick-off dinner on May 14.  The group ranged in age from 4 yrs to 70+.  We had wonderful food provided by a handful of super volunteers-ham, rolls, salads, potatoes, beans, dessert (is your mouth watering yet?) and tents, sand, and cacti set the desert theme.  We got a brief synopsis of the musical's plot and then got to find out who the leads and leaders are!  A very talented group of people have agreed to direct and build and sew for the production, and equally talented people will be the "stars".   All of the rest of us are in the chorus-we get to sing and dance without being in the spotlight.  There are show T-shirts and CDs for sale and everyone got their own copy of the score.  Everyone shared a word about their hope for the show and we all sang together before leaving.  New acquaintances were made and everyone had a good time. We can't wait for rehearsals to begin-June 1, 7:00 pm.  Some people couldn't make it to the dinner, but they are still going to be in the chorus-and it's not too late for anyone else who wants to join.

My Life As a Junior in High School
by Joshua Frazor

My junior year has been extremely difficult but very rewarding. I perform a tremendous balancing act with many obligations, but it is what keeps me grounded. For fun I belong to the Spanish Club and National Spanish Honor Society (I have taken four years of Spanish). To further my engineering interests, I am President of the Junior Engineering Technical Society. For my community service I belong to the Key Club, doing service projects and tutoring and I belong to the National Honor Society. To keep my mind sharp, I joined the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. To keep my spirit alive, I am an Eagle Scout and still active in the scouting program. I have gone to Yellowstone National Park backpacking, Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico as Crew Leader and many weekend camping trips across the state of Texas. We constantly do community service projects and my Eagle Scout Project was done here at TLLC (basketball half-court in the parking lot).  more

Faith, Fellowship, Food, Fun, and Foundation
by Janice Daily

What do faith, fellowship, food, fun, and foundation have in common? Love Gives to Grow Part 2.

On Sunday, May 1, we came together to celebrate the gift of our building. God has blessed our community of faith with a building that gives us privilege to worship, enjoy each other's company, taste new cookie and brownie recipes, bid for pies or cakes, be  cupcake walkers, blow bubbles, and jump or slide on a moonwalk. This is a time for excitement, joy, and celebration because God is showing his faithful people what he wants to happen here at Triumphant Love.  more

Making a Difference to Children with Aspergers
by Jodi Zighelboim

Children with aspergers or high-functioning autism have difficulties with social interaction. These children usually have normal to above-normal IQs and therefore people view them as being very smart. Yet, they have a form of autism that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.  Many children with aspergers also have other coexisting conditions.  more

Labor of Love
by Janet Kres
 
I play a small part in completing the quilts (97% of the work of preparing the quilts, piecing the tops and making the backing and doing the binding, is done by Arlene Campbell - I only tie). It is a work of love that gives physical credence to our message that "God loves you." God loves you enough to not want you to be cold. And it is a real privilege to do this work of love with others -- we have a really good time together as we tie the quilts on Saturday mornings. All are welcome to join us! This year the TLLC quilters made 202 quilts to send to Lutheran World Relief (LWR) for distribution to refugees and other people in need around the world.

Love and Care
by Laurel Reed

My sister, Ann Burns in Ft. Worth, recently had foot surgery, which ended up being more involved and more painful than she had anticipted.  She's been a trooper, but has gotten a little down at times, not being able to put any weight on that foot for weeks, not being able to drive a car or be independent.  I was talking to Janice at church about it one day and she suggested what I had not thought of!  Why not send her one of TLLC's prayer shawls?  I picked out a beautiful greenish/bluish/turquoise one that I thought she'd enjoy.  I mailed it to her, and two days later I got a phone call from her.  She was exuberant!  She was so very touched that a group of women at TLLC would come together in a prayer shawl ministry to stitch and pray until each shawl is made.  She said she felt so much better surrounded by God in that shawl, and she likes to touch it and feel it - said it is very soft and makes her feel safe and secure.  She also said the beautiful colors remind her of the ocean, which she loves.  I am so grateful to the women who take the time and use their skills to knit these shawls WITH PRAYER!  Your love and care and efforts are making a difference!

Working Together
by Matt Weise
 
My name is Matt Weise and I am working on the Resurrection Garden Prayer Path as my Eagle Scout Project. On the first work day it was great to have so many scout volunteers and my family joined me in my efforts to rebuild some of the hiking trails just below the Resurrection Garden. I have volunteered on many Eagle Scout Projects and felt that everyone really enjoyed the day as much as I did, and we were all impressed by how much we were able to achieve. I will be finished with this project before this summer and hope that others will join my efforts in making these trails a safe and comfortable setting for reflection, meditation, and prayer for everyone.

Vital to the Community
by Janis Coltin

TLLC has been participating in the Austin CROP Hunger Walk for many years now. Our most experienced walker, Kris Carlson, remembers that former TLLC Pastor Pete Lopez asked her to walk about 15 years ago. The CROP Hunger Walk is a good way to get some exercise and learn more about hunger issues...while raising money for local, national, and international hunger-relief organizations. Thank you to the TLLC walkers and sponsors of the 2011 Austin CROP Hunger Walk! TLLC's 15 walkers raised about $2,000.

Begin Your Lenten Journey
by Bobbie Groat

The observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9. A special tradition at Triumphant Love during this holy season is a book of daily spiritual meditations written by our members, a tradition which began in 2003 under the guidance of the Worship and Music Committee. In addition to the devotion for each day, there are scripture readings and a prayer. You are encouraged to use this book for personal reflection and family devotions.  more

Bravo!

"Incredible!" "Unbelievable!", "Awesome!"-just a few of the reactions to Tatiana Koike’s brilliant flute playing at our 2011 sanctuary recital on Feb. 13. She played hundreds of notes a minute, from memory, for 10 or more minutes with beauty and sensitivity. Brian Gaede, age 5, was immensely proud to be playing in the recital this year. His big bow and bigger smile said it all-and he and sister Alicen played perfectly. Walter Romanko arranged a Scott Joplin rag for two violins-he and his wife, Corinne, played with pizzazz-my favorite moment in the afternoon. Eric Daub "makes it look so easy" as he played a complicated jazzy selection called ‘Crystal Silence" from memory. Nicole Pagliai, who sang one of her favorites from "Beauty and the Beast", plans to sing, play the piano, and play her french horn in our 2012 recital. "So much talent here" commented an audience member of the 19 participants. And delicious treats afterward!

An Afternoon with Davis
by Pastor Norb

Grandson Davis looked forward to absorbing the music of the TLLC Recital last Sunday afternoon.  He was not disappointed. With wonder he and grandparents watched young children playing the piano in front of appreciative people...he could hear and see music lovers of our church play the mellow tones of the clarinet, the fleeting pace of the flute, the beckoning of the bells, the lovely vibrancy of violins, and the musical magic of our piano filling the sanctuary.   He always kept an eye on "Miss Carol the Conductor" (whom he idolizes) to see what instrument she would play next.  With occasional pauses with fish crackers and four-year-old commentary he could enjoy the melodies of our people at this annual feast.  Yes, Bravo!

Confirmation
by Nathanael St. John

 I always look forward to each Wednesday because of confirmation. I especially like three things: I really enjoy the quiz, the Lego pictures are amazing, and the lessons are fun and help me and my class learn about Christ. I always have fun on Wednesday.

One thing I enjoy about confirmation is the quiz. The quiz is a fun match between one half of the confirmation class and the other half. The quiz covers facts about our lesson that we had that day. Sometimes some of the answers are ridiculous! One multiple choice question was “Where is the old testament found?” and had answers like “in Revelation.” The quiz also sometimes has trick questions!  more

Making a Difference
by Joyce Moeller

At a January Water to Thrive potluck, Rennie and Ed Scharlau shared photos and commentary about their trip to Ethiopia in October with Dick Moeller, founder of Water to Thrive. As of this date, W2T has provided 172 fresh water wells for over 90,000 Ethiopians in rural Africa! So far, TLLC has funded 22 of these water projects! About 75 TLLCers attended the Fellowship Hall W2T update to hear about the projects on Sunday, January 16 and enjoyed the tasty potluck lunch while chatting with friends, old and new. The Daniel Stephanos family provided two traditional Ethiopian dishes for sampling.

TLLCers learned about the upcoming Dano Water and Sanitation Project, Central Gibe Synod, Mekane Yesus (Lutheran Church). There are 11 villages and 12,000+ beneficiaries in the Oromia Region. The proposal includes 11 community spring protection systems, water points, reservoir, wash basin, cattle troughs, 20 latrines, water and sanitation training for 12,000, water councils and maintenance strategy.

Many thanks to all who attended to hear the success story of TLLC and Water to Thrive making a difference in our world. If you have any questions, please contact Len DiSanza.    Visit Water to Thrive

Comfort and Healing
by Janice Daily and Pascha Copeland

The TLLC Prayer Shawl Ministry began in 2005 under the leadership of Christina Porter.  Chris died in 2006 and the ministry she began with prayer shawls continues here at TLLC. Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, under the leadership of Margaret Lund, continue to create prayer shawls by knitting or crocheting. As they knit or crochet they pray the Lord's Prayer or their own prayer or repeat a scripture verse over and over. The words they whisper are gently woven into each stitch. We have given prayer shawls to 329 people in the last 5 years.

The following story from Pascha Copeland is a glimpse of what the prayer shawl ministry means to the community: My friend and neighbor has to discontinue life support for her dad this week and she is already having a tough time with life. Many different struggles right now. I dropped off a prayer shawl to her and she put it on her couch and said she'd give it back. I told her it was hers to keep for comfort whenever and wherever she needed it. I told her God's warmth was with her and people she didn't even know were praying for her.  She went back to it, grabbed the shawl still in the bag, and held onto it and cried.  Those shawls are so powerful.  Wonderful things.

From Chodavaram to Austin: Suman’s Story

 Triumphant Love member Suman Sade is a bright and charming young man from the small village of Chodavaram in South India who moved to Austin last year to work for Wipro and Charles Schwab. At age 25, he was the first person in his family to leave India. He joined TLLC because he and his family are Lutheran.  The Lutheran church in India grew out of the American Lutheran Church's missions there, and Suman’s village is near the very Lutheran seminary in which Mary Halaney's father Ray Martin taught as a missionary—a rich and meaningful connection to many long-time members of Triumphant Love who also benefited from the teachings of Dr. Martin.

The gift Suman would like to give his village? Help with building a new Lutheran church that can seat everyone in the congregation—indoors. Suman will tell us about the Lutheran church of Chodavaram in an exciting evening complete with the sights, sounds, and flavors of South India on Saturday, February 5th from 5-7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Sponsored by TLLC's Social Service Ministry Team with contributions from Suman, his Indian friends, and some adventurous cooks in our congregation, “A Taste of India” is the first step in reaching out and connecting in a meaningful way to a new congregational mission—a church within the connective tissue of a church family.  more

Triumphant Love 2011 Volunteers: Austin’s Multicultural Refugee Coalition Welcomes You!

According to U.S. Citizenship ad Immigration Services, refugees are persons living outside their country of origin who cannot return to their homes due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, or membership in a particular social/political group. Texas receives between 3,500-4,000 refugees per year, and refugees generally resettle in one of eight Texas communities, including Austin. 

"You know the difference between an American not having a job and a refugee is that most Americans have a safety net of some kind built in. Refugees coming have nothing. They don't have anything to fall back on so it's a much more terrifying experience for them knowing there's no work for them out there and wondering what their future is going to be." --Leslye Moore, International Rescue Committee, Boise, Idaho  more

Holy Night
by Carol Holck

On Christmas Eve 2010 over 1,000 came to our sanctuary to worship the baby Jesus.  Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and wise men appeared in our foyer as the children arrived for worship.  Even though the stable was outside and the people were inside (due to rain!) the awe of the nativity was apparent in the faces of the children.

The littlest worshippers heard the Christmas story from puppets Gabby and her friends.  They rang jingle bells and shouted “Glory to God”.  Elementary age children told the story from the point of view of the busy angels.  Lines were memorized and costumes were adorable.  TLLC’s fantastic orchestra of over 20 instruments graced our 8:00 worship with gorgeous music.  The sweet sound of handbells and chimes filled the quiet and dark of our last service of the night.  4-yr.-olds sang in the choir, 7-yr.-olds played handchimes, 10-yr.-olds played piano carols and sang solos and high school students played instruments.  A violin duet, a trumpet solo of “O Holy Night” and a trio of oboe, cello, and viola were just a few of the beautiful musical offerings we heard that night.

With our fellow worshippers we sang the Christmas carols we all love and heard again the amazing story of God’s incarnation.

Saturday, December 18th 11 adults and 7 youth delivered over 150 wrapped presents to the people in El Cenizo and helped in painting parts of the Agua Viva church as a service project. The church was overflowing for Sunday worship (in Spanish) after which the presents were given out to the children and elderly. Thanks goes to Mary Halaney for coordinating this annual TLLC project.

On the two days before Christmas Johnson Doe (TLLC member who came from Liberia with his family five years ago) and Jon and Josh Martin delivered over 100 toys and 56 Walmart gift cards to over a dozen refugee families from the Congo, Tanzania, and Nepal with each family having many children and having recently arrived to the U.S. Thanks to Andi Reaves and Reenie Visness for being the organizers in making Christmas brighter for our refugee neighbors. 

What Grace Is All About
by Beverly Bayer 

 Being a Eucharist Minister at Triumphant Love has taught me what grace is all about.  It has been a journey of grace for me to be comfortable with elderly people.  Seeing the elderly who lived with my dad in the nursing home opened my heart to the least of these and for those who are forgotten about.  Today I had the privilege of visiting and taking communion to an elderly person of our congregation and she blessed me. She mentioned to me that she had taught Sunday school and so I told her she was teaching me about the love and care of God. I am very grateful to serve in this way.

Clean Water.....So Simple.....So Profound
by Dick Moeller
It all began at TLLC during a Sunday School class in the summer of 2007.  The idea for Water to Thrive was born as the Spirit moved our congregation to action.  And now, three short years later, over 75,000 rural Ethiopians have clean, safe water for the first time in their history.  Four TLLC members, Rennie and Ed Scharlau, Eric Schmidhauser, and Dick Moeller, shared time together on a recent trip to Ethiopia to visit some of the communities benefiting from wells and to visit other communities still in desperate need of clean water.  During our two weeks we shared emotions that covered the spectrum…from the highs of celebrating first-time, clean water with communities…to the lows of helplessness as community members fetch filthy water for their families because it is all they have…to the spiritually uplifting morning devotion and worship high on a rock formation at the Gheralta Lodge.  more

Nutrition and Grace
by Sarah Daily

This is my seventh year to teach at Winn Elementary School. The needs of the families at Winn are simple: food, electricity, warm clothes, etc. Last summer, Julie Klock told me the TLLC fall Sunday school offering would benefit the students at Winn. Children from TLLC would bring weekly donations of food as their offering. With much consideration Julie and I decided on a few non-perishable food items the children could bring, and the gathering began. In just a few weeks Julie had spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles, and macaroni and cheese stacked in her office.

While many students benefited, one student, Tonya, in particular was especially gracious and told me so in her own way. Due to the fact that she rode a "special bus" she often came to school just after breakfast was served.  While she could still eat breakfast she was always concerned that she would be late to her class. Her mother had told me that because they had just moved to Texas, their support services had not yet started, so I sent food home for her one Friday. That next Monday morning when I met Tonya at the bus I asked her if she was going to eat breakfast. She said, "No, Ms. Daily! I already ate the macaroni and cheese you gave me on Friday; it's not usually for breakfast but it was yummy and now I will not be late (to class)."  While we all look for the big moments with big effects, for this child a small bowl of macaroni one Monday morning gave her fullness of both nutrition and grace.

Sharing and Caring
by Andi Reaves

The TLLC Mary Martha Friendship Group celebrated Christmas giving at our annual gathering Tuesday evening at my home. We ate, sang "12 days of Texas" and read The Night before Christmas Mexican style. Laurel Reed shared a poem about Christmas giving by Jan Karon. All members bought jeans and a t-shirt for the girls at Lutheran Social Services' s New Life Children's Center near Canyon Lake as their way of sharing and caring. Each year we provide Christmas gifts for the girls.  New Life  provides help, healing, and hope to young girls who are survivors of abuse.

Mary Martha has been meeting since the early years of TLLC's. Our regular gathering is the third Tuesday of each month except for the summer. This group provides a wonderful sharing network, and all women of the church are invited to take part. Come join us!

So Happy Together
by Katie Stotts

 The youth pie sale was very successful. We made over 154 pies and we only had 2 left over at the end of the sale. We raised over $1,000 for the youth program. On Tuesday we did prep, coring 7 bushels of apples, and we baked 25 pies. We were worried about cooking in the convection oven, but the pies turned out so good, we couldn't keep our hands off of them & ate one! On Wednesday, I got there around 10:00 am with my mom. We had a lot of help because people brought their friends. We made the pumpkin first, then the pecan, and finally the apple. When we made the apple pies, we didn't stuff them with enough apples, so we had to take off the crust and put some more apples. We tried one & it was really good. It was a lot of work; the Woodmancys and I were there for 15 hours. I had so much fun and would do it again in a heartbeat. Everybody showed up. We got the word out and tried hard and got the job done. When I counted all the money, I was amazed at what we made. I love baking, and it was fun because I got to see all of my friends who go to different schools; it was nice to all be together.

One Night in Laredo
By Dave Polzin

In November of 2010 TLLC received word that there was a church near Giddings that was getting new pews and was looking for a home for their old ones. With TLLC members Mary Halaney and Jon Martin taking the lead, we made arrangements for the pews to be donated to Agua Viva and Mission Laredo. The church TLLC helped build several years ago has been functioning without pews all this time. Attendance is now up to 175 on Sundays with numerous activities all through the week.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Giddings had no way to get the pews to Laredo so we stepped in. Last Sunday Bob Kohls, Troy Farnham, and Dave Polzin loaded up their trucks and trailers and delivered the pews to Laredo, arriving at 11:00 pm. They were met by Pastors Moises and Mariana and about ten church members who unloaded their trailers and actually arranged the pews that night.  more