Our December sermon series focuses on one of the most comforting promises of the Christmas season – that God himself is near to us all. Always in love. Always with grace.
This series will look at some of the times in life when it’s most difficult to believe that God is, in fact, near to his people, as we are reminded that it’s not what we see with our eyes that depicts our full reality. It’s what we believe by faith in our loving Savior.
In the first week of this series, we find comfort in God’s nearness in repentance. This sounds contradictory. We easily fear that people would run away from us if they knew everything about our lives, hearts, thoughts, and motives. But God is different. He wants us to acknowledge our sin – all of it – and find comfort in the fact that he comes near to us still, to love us, forgive us, and embrace us. In that way, repentance sets us free in ways that no other acts of faith can.
Christmas Eve worship will take place at 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 24th.
This series will look at some of the times in life when it’s most difficult to believe that God is, in fact, near to his people, as we are reminded that it’s not what we see with our eyes that depicts our full reality. It’s what we believe by faith in our loving Savior.
In the first week of this series, we find comfort in God’s nearness in repentance. This sounds contradictory. We easily fear that people would run away from us if they knew everything about our lives, hearts, thoughts, and motives. But God is different. He wants us to acknowledge our sin – all of it – and find comfort in the fact that he comes near to us still, to love us, forgive us, and embrace us. In that way, repentance sets us free in ways that no other acts of faith can.
Christmas Eve worship will take place at 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 24th.
Family Bible Night - WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3rd
Wednesday, December 3rd will be our next Family Bible Night – a night of engaging Bible study for everyone of all ages. Once a month, on the first Wednesday of each month, you are invited to pause from the busy-ness of the week and rest in age- appropriate lessons from God’s Word as we connect with one another in worship of the One who makes us one eternal family.
All ages are encouraged to join us on campus for dinner, Bible Study, and Worship.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00-7:30pm
Please RSVP/register for this event HERE.
All ages are encouraged to join us on campus for dinner, Bible Study, and Worship.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00-7:30pm
Please RSVP/register for this event HERE.
Join us for this special Women's Advent Event - THIS SUNDAY!
All women of TheMission are invited to our second annual Advent by Candlelight (ABC) to enjoy an evening of quiet meditation—readings, songs, and fellowship. This will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday, December 7th. This year’s ABC theme is “W.A.I.T. on the Lord—What Am I Thinking to Who Am I Trusting.”
The word ‘Advent’ means “coming.” What’s coming? Christmas is the celebration of our Savior’s birth into the world. Jesus is coming! Historically, Advent is a 4-week season of the church year leading up to Christmas. This centuries-old Season of Advent has been set aside to prepare our hearts for this special coming by spending focused time in God’s Word.
Around 5:30, our special service will be followed by a chili supper, along with fixin's. If you have a favorite, feel free to bring a dessert to share (not required!). Dress is (holiday) casual.
We ask that you RSVP by Friday, December 5th so we know how much chili to make.
Click HERE to register/RSVP by December 5th.
We’re so excited for this special time together around God’s Word.
The word ‘Advent’ means “coming.” What’s coming? Christmas is the celebration of our Savior’s birth into the world. Jesus is coming! Historically, Advent is a 4-week season of the church year leading up to Christmas. This centuries-old Season of Advent has been set aside to prepare our hearts for this special coming by spending focused time in God’s Word.
Around 5:30, our special service will be followed by a chili supper, along with fixin's. If you have a favorite, feel free to bring a dessert to share (not required!). Dress is (holiday) casual.
We ask that you RSVP by Friday, December 5th so we know how much chili to make.
Click HERE to register/RSVP by December 5th.
We’re so excited for this special time together around God’s Word.
WELS International Youth Rally 2026
At this year’s synod convention, WELS Congregational Services revealed the theme for the 2026 WELS International Youth Rally—and it’s all about courage, compassion, commitment, and community.
The 2026 rally will focus on verses from 2 Corinthians. "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Early Bird Registration: March - April 30, 2026
Regular Registration: May 1 - 29, 2026
Theme: Christ Through Us
Dates: July 14–17, 2026
Location: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
Get ready to grow in faith, connect with thousands of other teens, and be reminded that WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS.
Visit welsyouthrally.net to watch for more news or join HERE on Facebook.
The 2026 rally will focus on verses from 2 Corinthians. "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Early Bird Registration: March - April 30, 2026
Regular Registration: May 1 - 29, 2026
Theme: Christ Through Us
Dates: July 14–17, 2026
Location: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
Get ready to grow in faith, connect with thousands of other teens, and be reminded that WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS.
Visit welsyouthrally.net to watch for more news or join HERE on Facebook.
Registration Now Open - January 2026 WELS Men’s Retreat
Men, you are invited to scenic Camp Shiloh near Pittsburg, TX to encounter adventure
and connections with other men. And with God. Check out the registration page for the details and schedule.
When: Friday, Jan 16 - Sunday, Jan 18, 2026.
Arrival and registration on Friday from 3-5pm. Closing ceremony and checkout on Sunday at 12 Noon.
Where: Camp Shiloh near Pittsburg, TX
What: Barbecue. Manly games. Faith and fellowship. Bonfires, fishing and outdoor adventures. Bible study and presentations. Maybe even some power tools, projects and a polar plunge?!
CLICK HERE to register.
Not ready to register quite yet?
Text BRO to 512-808-6052 if you’d like to receive preview updates.
and connections with other men. And with God. Check out the registration page for the details and schedule.
When: Friday, Jan 16 - Sunday, Jan 18, 2026.
Arrival and registration on Friday from 3-5pm. Closing ceremony and checkout on Sunday at 12 Noon.
Where: Camp Shiloh near Pittsburg, TX
What: Barbecue. Manly games. Faith and fellowship. Bonfires, fishing and outdoor adventures. Bible study and presentations. Maybe even some power tools, projects and a polar plunge?!
CLICK HERE to register.
Not ready to register quite yet?
Text BRO to 512-808-6052 if you’d like to receive preview updates.
MissionMen Bible Study
MissionMen Bible Study is a topical Bible study where men will study the Word of God together, encourage one another, and learn how to live their faith with courage.
The men of TheMission are currently going through “Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah.” Nehemiah led God’s people well during a very difficult time under very difficult circumstances. The book of Nehemiah provides some of the most applicable lessons on leadership in the entire Bible and provides great guidance and encouragement for men today who seek to lead their family, church, and community well.
When: Once a month (generally the third Saturday of each month) from 8 to 9:30 AM.
TheMission Men will not meet during the month of December.
Next Bible Study Date: Saturday, January 17th @ 8 AM
-------
Where:
TheMission House
12201 Glenmar Dr, Willis, TX 77318
Enter the church campus via the southern entrance off of Cude Cemetery Road.
We ask that you park in the church parking lot next to the sanctuary. For those who may not be able to walk longer distances, there is some parking available on the street and by the house in the front yard. Please leave those spots open for those who need them most.
The house is located on the south side of Glenmar Drive.
-------
Men (and young men) of all ages are invited to attend.
You can bring your own Bible, and we will also have extra Bibles on hand.
If you attended a previous month's study, please remember to bring along your binder. Extra binders will be available.
The men of TheMission are currently going through “Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah.” Nehemiah led God’s people well during a very difficult time under very difficult circumstances. The book of Nehemiah provides some of the most applicable lessons on leadership in the entire Bible and provides great guidance and encouragement for men today who seek to lead their family, church, and community well.
When: Once a month (generally the third Saturday of each month) from 8 to 9:30 AM.
TheMission Men will not meet during the month of December.
Next Bible Study Date: Saturday, January 17th @ 8 AM
-------
Where:
TheMission House
12201 Glenmar Dr, Willis, TX 77318
Enter the church campus via the southern entrance off of Cude Cemetery Road.
We ask that you park in the church parking lot next to the sanctuary. For those who may not be able to walk longer distances, there is some parking available on the street and by the house in the front yard. Please leave those spots open for those who need them most.
The house is located on the south side of Glenmar Drive.
-------
Men (and young men) of all ages are invited to attend.
You can bring your own Bible, and we will also have extra Bibles on hand.
If you attended a previous month's study, please remember to bring along your binder. Extra binders will be available.
If you are currently not a member of the MissionMen Bible Study Group and would like to be so you can receive internal Bible study communications and reminders of these studies, you can request to join by going HERE and then clicking on the <Request to join> button.
MissionWomen Bible Study
A topical Bible study designed to equip women to live their faith with joy and peace.
When: Once a month (generally the third Saturday of each month) from 8 to 9:30 AM.
Where: TheMission Church in the Gathering Room (Cafe Area)
12434 Cude Cemetery Rd, Willis, TX 77318
December Advent By Candlelight: Sunday, December 7th @ 4 PM
-------
August through November the women of TheMission will be studying Colossians (all 4 chapters).
When: Once a month (generally the third Saturday of each month) from 8 to 9:30 AM.
Where: TheMission Church in the Gathering Room (Cafe Area)
12434 Cude Cemetery Rd, Willis, TX 77318
December Advent By Candlelight: Sunday, December 7th @ 4 PM
-------
August through November the women of TheMission will be studying Colossians (all 4 chapters).
- Aug 16 - Colossians 1
- Sep 20 - Colossians 2
- Oct 18 - Colossians 3
- Nov 15 - Colossians 4
- Dec 7 - Advent by Candlelight @ 4:00pm
You can prepare for the study by reading the Book of Colossians from the Bible and/or the People’s Bible, by Harlyn J. Kuschel.
Colossians is a powerful reminder that in Christ, believers have everything they need for salvation, spiritual growth, and a transformed life.
------
QUESTIONS: Contact Sally Valleskey or Debbie Brantner. If you wish, you can do so via Church Center by clicking HERE and then clicking on the <Contact> button. (If you are a member of the group you may have a <View Group> button instead so click on it and then initiate a chat.)
------
If you are already a member of the bible study group and are looking for group resources or internal Bible study discussions, please go to the MissionWomen Bible Study Group by clicking HERE. (If you are not logged into your Church Center account, you will be asked to do so.)
------
QUESTIONS: Contact Sally Valleskey or Debbie Brantner. If you wish, you can do so via Church Center by clicking HERE and then clicking on the <Contact> button. (If you are a member of the group you may have a <View Group> button instead so click on it and then initiate a chat.)
------
If you are already a member of the bible study group and are looking for group resources or internal Bible study discussions, please go to the MissionWomen Bible Study Group by clicking HERE. (If you are not logged into your Church Center account, you will be asked to do so.)
*If you are currently not a member of the MissionWomen Bible Study Group and would like to be, you can request to join by going HERE and then clicking on the <Request to join> button.
TheMission Mindset Bible Class
Please join us to learn more about TheMission Church and what we teach.
This 12-week course, offered multiple times a year, is the very best way to become familiar with the teachings of the Bible and grow new relationships around the Word of God. The course is designed to explain how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus is what connects each of us to our daily and life-long purpose.
Completing this 12-week TheMission Mindset Bible class is the path one would take when wanting to make TheMission their home congregation.
This 12-week course, offered multiple times a year, is the very best way to become familiar with the teachings of the Bible and grow new relationships around the Word of God. The course is designed to explain how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus is what connects each of us to our daily and life-long purpose.
Completing this 12-week TheMission Mindset Bible class is the path one would take when wanting to make TheMission their home congregation.
The Winter 2026 TheMission Mindset Bible Class will meet weekly on Mondays from 6-7pm for 12 weeks from January 5, 2026 through March 23, 2026.
If you are interested in attending the Winter 2026 TheMission Mindset Bible Class, please click HERE to Register.
If you are interested in attending the Winter 2026 TheMission Mindset Bible Class, please click HERE to Register.
Communication at TheMission Church
TheMission Church communicates in a variety of ways: Weekly Email-newsletter, monthly BMM updates, bulletin announcements, slides before/after worship, verbal announcements, the Church Center app, website, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube). Each of these methods of communication targets a mixed variety of audiences.
In order for each announcement/communication to reach its intended audience, we have a designated team, including Pastor Mattek, to assist with the following:
If you would like to have an announcement communicated to the congregation, all communication requests should be sent to the church office and Jeannie Bailey, our Administrative Assistant, will be in contact.
- Church Phone: (936) 877-1057
- Email: admin@themissiontx.church
If you are a leader of a Service Team and need to request space to hold a meeting or an event, you can submit your request by clicking on and filling out the following form:
Requests should be done in advance to allow time for the approval process. You will be contacted shortly after your submission. The form is also located as a Resource in your Service Team.
For more information about coordinating campus or calendar events, please contact Pastor Don Tollefson:
- Email: ministryadmin@themissiontx.church
Can anyone use the pickleball courts at anytime?
Yes! The pickleball courts are open and ready to be used whenever you might show up to play.
Courts are open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
In order to help coordinate play times, the pickleball community uses an app called Playtime Scheduler. This app helps players find opponents that match their skill level and also find available courts on which they can play. Our new courts went ‘live’ on this app on July 9th. This is where our church event times will be announced, and where you will be able to communicate with your fellow pickleball players about schedules and such. You can access this app by searching for "playtime scheduler" in your app store or by going to playtimescheduler.com.
Courts are open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
In order to help coordinate play times, the pickleball community uses an app called Playtime Scheduler. This app helps players find opponents that match their skill level and also find available courts on which they can play. Our new courts went ‘live’ on this app on July 9th. This is where our church event times will be announced, and where you will be able to communicate with your fellow pickleball players about schedules and such. You can access this app by searching for "playtime scheduler" in your app store or by going to playtimescheduler.com.
A DIFFERENT TIP EACH WEEK
(Updated on Mondays)
(Updated on Mondays)
CHURCH CENTER
TIP OF THE WEEK
Last week we covered how to silence the audible ding for various Church Center Notifications related to a specific Church Center Group.
If you have chosen to receive audible ding notifications for chat messages for a specific group, you do have an option to silence a specific chat thread in the group after the chat thread has started. To see how, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to see the Church Center Tip of the Week Archive.
DOWNLOAD (OR RE-DOWNLOAD) THE CHURCH CENTER APP
The Church Center app is the place where you can access all things related to ministry at TheMission most quickly. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Church Center app experience:
- Regularly check for updates to the Church Center app. They come regularly, and older versions of the app don't always play nice with your phone.
- If you're having problems with the app, even after you've checked for updates, you may need to uninstall your current app entirely (delete it from your phone) and then download the most recent version.
Also, if you need help installing the app, CLICK HERE to access a document that will take you through the individual steps.
MONTHLY MINISTRY UPDATE
The Board For Mission & Ministry met last on November 10th. This is the Monthly Ministry report from that meeting: MONTHLY MINISTRY UPDATE -- NOVEMBER 2025
Each month's report contains important information about current and future ministry plans at TheMission. This month's report, in particular, contains significant information about the plans to begin Early Childhood Ministry on our campus.
The next meeting of the Board for Mission and Ministry is December 8, 2025.
Each month's report contains important information about current and future ministry plans at TheMission. This month's report, in particular, contains significant information about the plans to begin Early Childhood Ministry on our campus.
The next meeting of the Board for Mission and Ministry is December 8, 2025.
CLICK HERE to see the Monthly Ministry Update Archive.
TheMission's CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS were officially accepted by our district in June 2024 at the biennial District Convention.
BUILDING PROJECT
The proposed campus expansion plan includes the following phases, to be carried out aggressively and wisely as the Lord leads:
- Phase 1 – Site work and chapel
- Phase 2 – Early Childhood Center
- Phase 3 – Elementary School
- Phase 4 – High School
------
- Phase 1 is complete.
- Aug 17th, 2025: First worship service in the new chapel occurred at 9 am
- Sep 28th, 2025: Public Dedication of the chapel occurred at 4 pm
CLICK HERE for the Building Project-Phase 1 page to read about the historical progression of Phase 1 and to find a link to pictures from Aug 19th, 2024 through the week of July 7th, 2025.
CLICK HERE for the Building Project Renderings page to see the campus site plan, floor plans for Phase 1 and Phase 2, and renderings of what we thought the building project might look like when completed.
CLICK HERE for the Building Project Renderings page to see the campus site plan, floor plans for Phase 1 and Phase 2, and renderings of what we thought the building project might look like when completed.
Early Childhood Ministry Update (Phase 2)
- On May 12th 2025, the Board for Mission & Ministry decided to postpone discussions related to the development of an Early Childhood Ministry until after Phase 1 of the project was completed. This will postpone the opening of an Early Childhood Center on our campus until 2027 at the earliest.
- The reasons for the decision are included in May 2025's Monthly Ministry Update.
- Early Sep 2025: Pastor Mattek met with Pastor Carlos Leyrer from Divine Savior Ministries (DSM) to discuss again the terms of a possible ministry partnership.
The following items were discussed in order to be shared with leadership of both ministries for reaction:- Proposed responsibilities for DSM:
- Fully oversee building project from current state to completion
- Full responsibility for building project finances
- Full responsibility for operational finances
- Full responsibility for administration of school operations
- Proposed responsibilities for TheMission Church
- Partner with DSM in serving and reaching out to school families
- Partner with DSM in use of campus facilities (school activities have priority in school buildings; church activities have priority in chapel building)
- Anticipated Benefits of this ministry partnership
- A growing need for our congregation and community families for quality Christian education is met
- TheMission Church can focus all resources on complete church ministry development
- A strong and growing WELS church (TheMission) partners with highly-regarded WELS school system with strong history of sustainability, excellence, and growth (DSM)
- The school (Kindergarten and up) would be eligible to participate immediately in the Texas School Choice funding program on account of DSM’s current accreditation status
- Early Childhood Center to open in Fall 2027 with construction to begin in early 2026
- Agreed-upon non-negotiables
- School and church maintain WELS identity
- TheMission Church maintains its church identity and name for as long as the church believes doing so serves the community, congregation, and campus well; TheMission Church will not be asked to change its name or identity
- Divine Savior Academy maintains its identity and name for the school and all future campus schools
- Commitment to eventually provide Christian education through Grade 8 on campus; high school TBD
- DSM given primary decision-making on future campus building locations/sizes as long as:
- TheMission Church leadership is consulted in regard to the original Master Site Plan
- Designs of new buildings aim to complement, where possible, architectural style of the chapel
- The current ‘green’ view out the chapel windows is maintained
- The new buildings are primarily school-use (future larger church building would be exception)
- Regular and ongoing communication between DSM and TheMission leadership to evaluate all aspects of ministry partnership
- Proposed responsibilities for DSM:
- September 8, 2025: The items were favorably received by the BMM.
- November 10, 2025: The BMM reviewed and received updates on the latest plans/proposals related to the development of an Early Childhood building, proposed to open in Fall 2027.
- Members of TheMission Church are encouraged to share their reactions / feedback with the BMM.
- Small Group Informational Meetings:
Members of the BMM will be hosting small group Cottage Meetings to receive/answer questions that remain regarding the development of Early Childhood Ministry at TheMission as well as share the updated campus plans and timelines.- These meetings will take place in 2025 between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- All members of the church will be invited to participate.
- Members of the church will receive information regarding the exact day/time of their meeting from a member of the board of Elders. Any schedule conflicts will be worked out.
- Project Timeline:
In order to open a completely-constructed Early Childhood Ministry in Fall 2027, the following timeline would need to be followed:- February 2026 - Final design / development completed
- March 2026 - Permits submitted
- June 2026 - Permits approved
- July 1, 2026 - Construction start
- Fall 2027 - Building opens
CLICK HERE for the Building Project-Phase 2 page to read about the historical progression of Phase 2 starting Jan 13, 2025 through the above.
You may see some of our members sporting TheMission hats. They are available for purchase, $20 each, and are great conversation starters. Contact the church office, admin@themissiontx.church, for more information.