February, Mark Your Calendars!

Transcription

1 February, 2016 Trinity Highlights The Newsletter of Trinity Lutheran Church 700 S. Fourth St., Pekin, IL Trinity Movie Night Sunday, February 19 5:00 p.m. On Sunday, February 19 we will watch Heaven is for Real. We will begin at 5:00 p.m. with pizza and also have popcorn during the movie. In the movie Heaven is for Real, Todd and Sonja Burpo are a real-life couple whose son Colton claims to have visited heaven during a near death experience. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth, things he couldn't possibly know. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the meaning from this remarkable event. Please join us for dinner and a movie! Mark Your Calendars! The Board of Evangelism have been working on a calendar of events for There are activities for every age group! March 12 Family Bowling Night April 2 Prayer Partners April & Over Dinner May Dining out Night (date & place to be announced) June 17 Chief s Ball Game July 2 Prayer Partners July 16 Church Picnic Watch for details in upcoming newsletters. Wednesday, March 1 Chili Supper Menu 6:00-7:00 p.m. Our youth will once again sponsor the Chili Supper on Ash Wednesday, March 1. Along with chili, there will also be chicken noodle soup, grilled ham & cheese, peanut butter & jelly, drinks and dessert. A free-will offering will be taken at the door. Donations received will go towards our youth programs. Attention All Young People & Parents Junior High and High School youth are asked to bring a pot of chili and/or dessert to share. The youth need to help work at the dinner (set-up, serving, cleanup). Pre-warmed chili should be dropped off at the church kitchen on Ash Wednesday by 5:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service 7:30 p.m. Following the chili supper we have our Ash Wednesday Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. As is our tradition, we will observe Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes. Ashes symbolize dust-to-dust and remind us of our mortality. Easter proclaims that, through Christ, God resurrects us from our dust and ashes, makes us new creatures and brings life out of death!

2 Have a Heart February: the month devoted to love. Stores are filled with heat-shaped boxes of candy and heartshaped cards and vases of flowers with heart-shaped gift tags. All this is available for the consumer so that he can find the appropriate expression of his devotion to his loved one. If that expression of love has been preceded by a year of thoughtful and loving words and deeds, it is welcomed and cherished by the recipient. If not, it is just an empty ritual, done out of duty rather than true devotion. Our relationship to the Lord is similar. He, too, desires our sincere devotion, not empty lip service. And the Lord said: this people draw near with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, while their hearts are far from Me (Isaiah 29:13). Stewardship is serving, helping, giving, but love is the basis for stewardship. Without love, our good deeds are empty and without merit. The first act of true stewardship is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might (Deut. 6:5). Jesus called this the most important commandment (Mark 12:29). With that love for the Lord in us, we are enabled to be good stewards. Then we can do acts of good stewardship, acts of true devotion. We are enabled to - Give to Him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to Him (Deut. 15:10). - Do [His] statutes and rules with all your heart and with all your soul (Deuteronomy 26:16). - Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13). - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23). God, through Ezekiel, promised, And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to be careful to obey My rules (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This promise He has fulfilled in His Son, Jesus, Who has followed His Father s decrees and kept His laws for us. As we strive to live fruitful lives of stewardship, at the same time we rest in Christ, Who has been the perfect steward for us. February Birthdays 2nd - Jeanne Newlun 3rd - Millie Cordes Marcella Harms Lisa Prather 4th - Alexzandra Hoehn 5th - Vicki Egli 6th - Debra Brock 10th - Samantha Durbin 12th - Nicholas Kreager 14th - Mary Lou Liescheidt Lynn Wyatt 15th - Gage Cutting Dakota Harms 16th - Carrie Helmig Lauren Juergens Les Schultz 17th - Tabitha Mattheessen 19th - Nevaeh May Hailey Weyhrich 20th - Christopher Bennett BonnyLou Schmidt 24th - Brad Juergens Casey Whitley, Jr. 25th - Austin Ewing Ella Spaeth 27th - Brian Maquet Cody Zevnik 28th - Loraine Weyhrich February Anniversaries Feb. 16 Gary & Sheila Schumm Feb. 25 Robert & Sarah Johnson

3 December Attendance Report Average Attendance Average Sunday School Attn Average Communion Attn Dec. Financial Report December YTD YTD Budget Income: $20,738 $257,550 $261,246 Expense: $18,088 $252,008 $267,525 Surplus (Deficit) $2,650 $5,542 ($6,279) Actual to Budget (YTD) Income: ($3,696) Expense: ($15,517) ($11,821) More/(less) deficits than budgeted. Income: We did not get the large increase in giving this December as we typically have in the past, when people were catching up on their pledges. We had received some of the yearend giving in mid-year because people recognized our needs at that time. We really appreciated that. The stewardship board show the 57 pledge giving units were as follows: 21 people giving more than pledged, 22 were behind on their pledges, and the remaining 14 gave what they had pledged. Note, the nonpledge givers made up 26% of the envelope offerings. Expenses: The actual expenses for December were again lower than projected expenses. Most of the reductions have been in the GSLS payments and Elders for pastor s expense. (Last payment made to pastor in November and this month we did not have that expense) Again we appreciate everyone s effort to hold down the expenses. The Trustees will have to start spending on the church and parsonage projects that have been on hold (Most of which were put on hold at budget time last year and not included in the 2016 budget these will be included on the 2017 budget purposed below) Overall: We ended the year with a surplus of $5,542 instead of the budgeted $6,279 deficit. This was mainly due to the GSLS payment reduction and less cost for pastor salary due to pastor s retirement. Item to Note: A motion was passed from the Church Council at the January Voter s to accept the proposed 2017 budget using a graduate student pastors salary with a tentative April start date Proposed Budget: Elders $98,690* Stewardship 13,100 Education 47,890 Youth 1,100 Christian Service 511 Evangelism 4,250 Trustees 68,746** Finance 450 Total Expenses 235,737 Projected Income 250,545 Surplus 14,808 *The transition period until a pastor actually starts may vary. For each month we do not have a pastor, it will result in approximately $2,179 less expense each month. **The Trustee s annual expense includes setting up a fund to enable us to save money monthly to cover the cost of large long-term expenses that must be done in the next 5 years the cost would be overwhelming if it was to be absorbed in the year they occur. Mike Timian, Finance Chairman The Concordia Society The Concordia Society met at noon on Thursday, January 12 at 1:30 p.m. Cindy Miller led devotions and was the hostess. They discussed the 2017 schedule. Their next meeting will be Thursday, February 9 at 1:30 p.m. They will be signing and sending out Valentines to shut-ins. Visitors and new members are welcome! Annual Report Time The deadline for reports to be included in the 2016 Annual Report is Sunday, February 26. The Church Council members as well as secretaries and treasurers of the various organizations are asked to submit a report. If you are in doubt as to whether you should submit a report, please call the church office. Camp Cilca Men s Woodcutters Retreat February 3-5 Cutting trees, splitting wood, fellowship with other men, good food, time in God s Word and worship are all part of this men s retreat. You do not have to be skilled in using a chainsaw, hammer, or a tractor to come to this event. The suggested donation is $ To register, visit Camp Cilca s website: and fill out the registration form. They plan to stay in the Christian Growth Center, so there is no need to bring your own bedding. Questions? Call

4 Here is a recap of Pastor Cluver s recent Bible Class on Friendship Witnessing: Friendship Witnessing The reason Jesus came into our world. 1. Christ s Mission: For the Son of Man came to see and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 2. Our Mission: Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 3. A summary of Christ s mission and our mission from 2 Corinthians 5:18 & 20: - Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. - Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ,... What is Friendship Witnessing? 1. Friendship Witnessing is simply living our faith in Jesus through Word and deed in the world. 2. Friendship Witnessing is like building bridges (relationships) to people in order to share Christ with them. 3. How do people meet Jesus and/or enter into the life of a church? 1) Walk in 4% 2) Special need 3% 3) Pastor s visit 5% 4) Evangelism Program 2% 5) Sunday School 6% 6) Special Program 3% 7) Fran Invitation 70+% 4. Biblical example of friendship outreach: 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down 30 before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be 31 saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your 32 household. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was 34 baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. Acts 16:29 34

5 Bring a FRAN to meet Jesus Step One: Identify your Mission Family 1. What is my mission family? Any person I know (Friend, Relative, Associate, Neighbor = FRAN) who: - Does not know or believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. And/or - Is not presently active in a Christian church. 2. Who are they? Write down their names and continue to look out and listen for more names. 3. What will I want to do if I can t identify a mission family? And the master said to the servant, Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 Step Two: Get to know your Mission Family better What do I know about my mission family? (FRAN) 1. Basic information: name, age, birthday, etc. 2. Religious information: church background, religious attitudes, Bible knowledge 3. Avenues for relating/witnessing: special interests, needs, opportunities Step Three: Start praying for your Mission Family better 1. Pray regularly 2. Pray specifically 3. Pray dangerously that is, use me, Lord! The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16b Step Four: Focus your efforts Focus on: - a FRAN with whom you have influence - a FRAN you feel is particularly receptive to you - a FRAN experiencing a change in their life - a FRAN with common interests and/or needs and problems - a FRAN for whom God has given you a special concern Step Five: Build stronger bridges to your Mission Family 1. Through caring and loving actions: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 2. Strengthen your relationship by doing things together. Step Six: Share the Good News (Law & Gospel) with your F.R.A.N. 1. What to say to my friend(s) about Jesus? But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you 1 Peter 3:15 2. Simply tell others in your own words what Jesus has done for you and means to you. 3. Tell them the ABC s of our Christian faith: He lived for us, He died for us, He rose again.

6 February 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 5 8:15 AM WORSHIP/ 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS 10:45 AM WORSHIP 6 7:15 PM DARTBALL VS N PARKWAY AOG AT TRINITY 7 10 AM BOARD OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE 7 PM BOARD OF EVANGELISM 1 4 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 8 4 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 2 7 PM CHURCH COUNCIL 9 1:30 PM CONCORDIA SOCIETY :15 AM WORSHIP 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS 10:45 AM WORSHIP/ 13 7:15 PM DARTBALL VS 1ST BAPTIST AT TRINITY 14 7 PM BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 15 4 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 16 7 PM BOARD OF TRUSTEES :15 AM WORSHIP/ 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS 10:45 AM WORSHIP/ 5 PM TRINITY MOVIE NIGHT 20 7:15 PM DARTBALL VS BROOM TREE AT TRINITY 21 6:30 PM GSLS BOARD 22 4 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 23 9 AM NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY 7 PM BOARD OF ELDERS :15 AM WORSHIP 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS 10:45 AM WORSHIP/ 27 7:15 PM DARTBALL VS 1ST PRESBYTERIAN AT TRINITY 28

7 February 2017 Service Schedule ACOLYTES GREETERS READERS USHERS FLOWERS February 5 8:15 10:45 Alex O Conner Nicholas Prather Grace Eggena BonnyLou Schmidt Barb Glick Betty Ingrassia Owen Miller Brad Juergens B. Juergens, B. Cordts O. Miller, G. Schumm B. Juergens, B. Heren L. Weyhrich Given by BonnyLou Schmidt February 12 8:15 10:45 Avery Speck Malia May Eric & Cori Spaeth Ron & Hermene Upchurch Eric Spaeth Rob Fornoff D. Harms, C. Whitley B. Schmidt M. Seidell, M. Cordes R. Fornoff Given by Gary & Sheila Schumm, for their 53rd wedding anniversary on February 16 February 19 8:15 10:45 Elizabeth Deverman Sofia Link Matt & Melissa Deverman Graham & Amy Watson Bob Lutz Scott Thompson B. Juergens, B. Cordts O. Miller, G. Schumm S. Thompson, B. Heren L. Weyhrich Given by Walter & Lynn Brown February 26 8:15 10:45 Kylie Cutting Cameron Speck Jim & Donna Deverman Millie Cordes Betty Ingrassia Terry Knollenberg Rob Fornoff D. Harms, C. Whitley B. Schmidt M. Seidell, M. Cordes R. Fornoff Given by Terry Knollenberg, for his 70th birthday on March 2

8 Good Shepherd Lutheran School 11th Annual Benefit Auction A Bella Notte for Ewe!" Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom Get your tickets now to attend Good Shepherd s 11th Annual Benefit Auction! Contact the school office for a form to make your reservation. All reservations must be in by March 10.

9 Trinity Lutheran Church 700 S. Fourth St. Pekin, IL Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Pekin, IL Permit No. 100 (Return Service Requested)