Newsletter
Content
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1495 Underwood
Atwater, Ca. 95301 Tel. 209-358-3471
Sunday Service 10:15 Sunday School 8:45
E-mail [email protected]
Web site: http://holycrossatwater.wordpress.com/
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Volume 36
No. 03
MAR 2016
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
Pastor Ken Klaus & Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz
"Is God in My Plans?" January 31, 2016
(Jesus said) "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
God. You may be blessed to have heard people talking about God since you were small.
Maybe God was one of the first words you had learned.
That is all fine and well, but the big question is this: "Is God part of your life?" By that I
mean when you make plans or come to a decision, has the Lord been consulted and was He
an important part of that process? Or is it possible that you, like so many other people, only
think of and come to the Lord in times of danger and suffering?
As long as we are asking questions, maybe I ought to add is your Bible a nice, fine-looking
volume, which is confined to a position of honor on your bookshelf? Is it a book you have
intended to read, but never have gotten around to it? Or did you take a stab at it many
years ago and then put it aside because you didn't understand anything and concluded the
Scriptures were too complicated for the likes of someone like you?
It is my prayer that you know the Bible is the Word of God.
If that is the case, why not take advantage of this time to open the Bible and find out how it
can be of service to you? Remember, it is through the Bible that God, our Creator, wishes to
speak to our hearts. In the Bible we are told what price the Heavenly Father was willing to
pay so we might be forgiven of our sins and be given eternal life.
It is in Scripture we hear of the Savior's life, suffering, death and resurrection. That the
Savior was willing to leave heaven and suffer all the injustice and inequity this world could
produce shows the depth of the Lord's love.
But that love does not end at the borrowed and empty tomb. In the Bible we also hear God's
promise: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and
you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15).
Again and again, God's Word tells us God wants to be involved in our
lives. He wants to help.
When we feel pain, loss and suffering, our whole life is affected. Fear
comes in those moments. Are you lost? Is there a solution? Yes, there
is!
The answer to overcoming fear is hold on to Jesus. At such times we
need to hear the Bible which says "No temptation has overtaken you
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that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your
ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able
to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Trust in the promise of God, for He is faithful and remains prepared to help and to save you.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being in my life. I know that You
will be always with me in my peaceful time and also in troubling moments. I give
thanks that, because of Jesus' sacrifice and victory, because of the Holy Spirit's work,
You will always be there. In Jesus I give thanks. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Eliezer Canales. Since
2010 he has been one of our volunteers who has offered his time at our local office in
Nicaragua. Today he is bringing the message of Christ to the people of Nicaragua through
our radio programs which are broadcast in FM and distributed online.
Lutheran Hour Ministries-Nicaragua is known in-country as "Christ for All Nations" or
Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones in Spanish. Launching its Gospel efforts in Chinandega in
1999, LHM-Nicaragua offers Project JOEL, an educational program helping children and
young people make healthy lifestyle choices. High school and university students benefit
from this program as well. Using Equipping the Saints (ETS) evangelism workshops to
facilitate Gospel conversations and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) to build up and
edify students of Scripture, inroads are being made into people's lives with the Good News
of salvation in Jesus Christ. Based today in León, this ministry center produces a weekly
radio broadcast and 30-second on-air spots. These are augmented with "Radio Cristo Nica,"
an Internet and radio program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping others in this
Central American country of six million people.
"Do It Yourself" February 8, 2016
As He (Jesus) was praying, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothes became
dazzling white. Luke 9:29
In The Lutheran Hour sermon this past weekend, I spoke about the do-it-yourself thinking
that has taken our culture by storm. We can go to YouTube and find expert tips and detailed
demos on how to tile our bathrooms, repair our washing machines, even how to get our
makeup just so.
The DIY attitude comes quite naturally to us. It shows itself from our toddler days, when we
insisted on walking ourselves, feeding ourselves, dressing ourselves -- pushing away the
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more competent hands of our mothers and fathers. But that gets
pretty tiring in this life. Don't you get exhausted struggling to
pay your bills, dealing with your aches and pains, fighting the
daily temptations, juggling your hectic schedule, trying to stay
fit and healthy, and searching for a little bit of rest here and
there? And how often do we falter and fail? Wouldn't it be nice
to set those burdens aside from time to time and sit down and
rest while someone else handles them?
God never designed our lives to be a great list of DIY projects.
He created us to be in relationship with Him. And even if we
were able to accomplish a majority of these projects, He knows
that kind of living will leave us worn out, bitter, disappointed
and disillusioned because all our projects are short-lived. They
will always fail to bring lasting peace, joy, contentment and
hope.
And besides, there are all kinds of things we can't do for ourselves. We can't control the
weather, or the actions of other people. We can't keep the economy from growing stagnant or
our bodies from aging. We can't stop ourselves from stumbling and falling. We are not as
self-sufficient as we might like to think.
That is why Jesus invites us, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest" (Matthew 11:28). On the Mountain of Transfiguration, Jesus' disciples -- Peter,
James and John -- got to experience a brief taste of the eternal rest that awaits each of us in
heaven. They looked in awe and wonder upon Jesus' dazzling body which no longer
concealed His divine majesty. They listened to His discussion with Moses and Elijah as
they spoke about the great project only He could complete: saving the world from all our
sins. No wonder Peter wanted to stay there.
Yet when they came down that mountain, it was Jesus who took on Himself the greatest DIY
project. He took it upon Himself to pay the price for our failings and flaws, our disobedience
and stubborn self-reliance when He took our place on the cross and by His sufferings there
satisfied all of God's wrath at our sins. He was abandoned by His Father so that we might
never be left alone. He promises "I am with you always, even to the end of the
age" (Matthew 28:20b).
When He takes away the burdens of our guilt, failings and brokenness, He sets us free to
help those around us who are being crushed beneath their burdens in life. He joins us to His
church, to share each other's struggles and bring each other's needs in prayer to our Heavenly
Father. No longer are we do-it-yourself people, we are do-it-together-with-the-Lord-at-ourside people today and forever.
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THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You removed my burden as You carried my sins to the
cross and destroyed them forever. Give me grace and strength to notice those around
me who are crushed beneath their burdens, that I may joyfully share Your free
salvation with them. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
"Helping Someone" January 9, 2016
(Jesus said) "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the
least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" Matthew 25:40
Nine-year-old Brent was in second grade when most children his age were fourth-graders.
Brent was big for his years, a clumsy fellow, and learning was always a struggle, but Brent
was also a kindly soul, a gentle boy, a child who would always defend the underdog.
Wishing to give their boy self-confidence, his parents encouraged him to audition for the
Sunday school Christmas service.
Brent wanted to be a shepherd, but he was given the role of the innkeeper.
The teacher in charge of casting figured Brent's size would lend believability to the role
when he had to refuse a room to Mary, Joseph and the soon-to-born Jesus. Brent's parents
helped with his lines, and Brent learned to be firm as he told Joseph, "There was no room in
the inn."
The night of the service, no one was more caught up in the story than Brent. That's why,
when Joseph knocked on the painted cardboard door of the makeshift inn, Brent was ready.
He flung the door open and asked menacingly, "What do you want?"
"We seek lodging," Joseph replied.
"Seek it elsewhere," Brent said in a firm and deep voice. "There's no room in the inn."
"Please, good innkeeper," Joseph pleaded, "This is my wife, Mary. She is with child and is
very tired. She needs a place to rest."
There was a long pause as Brent looked down at Mary. The teacher in charge of the service
was prepared and whispered Brent's line: "No! Be gone!" Brent remained silent. In the best
of acting tradition, the couple playing Mary and Joseph turned and began to slowly move
into the darkness.
Seeing this, Brent called out, "Don't go! You can have my room."
Most people, when they hear that story, smile and are glad to see the kindness and
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compassion of this most special young man. They approve of what he did. But I wonder
how many of us are ready to emulate Brent? How many would say and do what Brent
did for the pretend parents of the Christ Child?
Each day we all receive requests for donations from needy causes.
Some of them are good causes and some just look good. It is
impossible for us to respond to all of them. Our purses and pockets
are not deep enough to meet all of these needs.
But that doesn't mean we should ignore all of those needs.
We who have been blessed by the Savior's sacrifice need to
remember that He entered this world to help the spiritual beggars
of this world: us. We were helpless sinners: people who had no
chance of escaping the terrible punishment that awaited us. But
Jesus came and gave Himself to pay the price for our forgiveness
and salvation.
Now we unworthies, who have been blessed by His largesse, ought
to do our best to help others. It's our way of saying "thanks" and honoring the Savior who
gave so much for us.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in appreciation for the Savior's gift to me, I ask my heart
be opened to those who are unfortunate. Although I may not be able to help everyone,
let me reach out to someone. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.
"Some Really Good News" January 29, 2016
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold,
the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and
gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to
Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of
reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
To the best of my knowledge, none of the Daily Devotion readers have won the $1.6 billion
Powerball lottery.
Now just because Pam and I didn't win those mega-dollars, that doesn't mean we didn't
receive a lot of enjoyment from the lottery. After Christmas, as we drove back from
Minnesota to Texas, we passed some of those miles by talking about what we would do
if we were ever to receive such a fortune.
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We spoke of paying off mortgages for our children, setting up trust funds for our
grandchildren, and whether we would need bodyguards to keep us safe. We spoke of serious
things and those which were more frivolous. We talked of lake cottages and trips we have
not yet taken. We chatted about the cars we might like ('57 Chevy convertible) and how we
would respond to all the folks who would show up on our doorstep asking us to invest
in "get-rich" schemes.
But, as I said, you didn't win, and we didn't either.
On the other hand, John and Lisa Robinson from Tennessee did win and are receiving
one-third of the prize. After they came forward, the Robinsons went to New York and
allowed themselves to be interviewed on morning TV. Two of the questions they fielded
were "How will your life be changed?" and "What are you going to do which is different?"
I was shocked to hear the Robinsons are going to continue to live in their modest home and,
although they no longer need to, they will keep their current jobs. They said on the following
Monday they intended to show up at work, as if nothing had happened.
I was surprised by their responses. On the one hand, I admired them for keeping their values
and standards when many other people would have gone nutso. But I was also shocked. It
occurred to me that life-changing good news should make a profound difference in their lives
and the way they approached things.
The same ought to be said for those who have been given the great news of forgiveness and
salvation that has been won for them by the Savior. We have been given the best news
possible, and our lives and hearts should reflect that change in wonderful and powerful ways.
As St. Paul wrote, "if anyone is in Christ He is a new creature. The old has passed away and
the new has come." It is a transformation which is more sweeping and should cause greater
excitement than winning a temporary and, dare I say it, a paltry $1.6 billion.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because of Jesus' successful sacrifice I have been made
richer than I ever imagined. May my life reflect the joy of a person whose sins have
been forgiven and who has been awarded eternal life. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
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Bible Quiz
While Jesus was dying on the cross, who
mocked him, saying, “He saved others;
he cannot save himself”?
A. Priests
B. Scribes
C. Elders
D. All of the above
The legend of the sand dollar
There’s a pretty little legend that I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus found in this lowly
shell.
If you examine closely, you’ll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth hole, made by a Roman’s
spear.
On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds and led them from
afar.
The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side
Reminds us of his birthday, our happy Christmastide.
Now break the center open, and here you will release
The five white doves awaiting to spread good will and
peace.
This simple little symbol, Christ left for you and me
To help us spread his Gospel, through all eternity.
—Author unknown
Answer: D (See Matthew 27:41-42.)
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LWML 2-8-2106
President, Gail Iken, opened the meeting with prayer.
Minutes from the last meeting were presented and approved.
Correspondence needing no action will be posted. Mail received were receipts, newsletters
and donation request.
Mary Rahn presented the Treasurer’s report. The report will be filed for audit. It was
requested to discuss the layout of the treasurer’s funds.
Love Gift: The proceeds from the Sweet Sale of $130 will be combined with the $30 Love
Gift for February. $80 will be donated to Holy Cross Youth and $80 will be donated to
Alpha Pregnancy Help Center.
The offering was collected.
No Christian Growth.
Old Business
$130 was collected from the Sweet sale.
Convention: Registration information was shared.
Handbook: The LWML handbook is being updated.
Country pantry: No disbursements will be made until more funds are collected.
New Business
Spring Rally is in Merced at St. Paul’s on March 19th. Registration is due March 10.
Pre registration is $13. The cost to pay at the door is $15. Item for the Ingathering
will go to Sierra Saving Grace.
Lenten dinners: The first Lenten Dinner is February 17.
Cookbooks: A count will be completed to see how many are left.
Mites: A devotion, Hope and healing to the Navajo people was read. 18 District Mite
projects are funded with 3 to go.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Irene Iken
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OUTREACH IN REFUGEE CAMPS—LEBANON $72,000
The Word of God is brought to Lebanon through Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon,
known locally as Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM). The ministry began in Beirut in
1950, and their offices are used to spread the message of salvation in Jesus Christ throughout
the region.
LHM—Lebanon’s radio broadcasts reach at least ten Arabic-speaking countries with the
Gospel. The center receives responses from all over the Middle East and offers opportunities
to learn more about Jesus through its Arabic-language Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC)
and other print media. The center also attracts people through television programming, film
shows and other events, a website, and text messages that are available by subscription.
MELM also reaches out to struggling communities through vacation Bible schools and
through holistic programs that provide clothing and school supplies for children. The center
also provides holistic emergency care for people such as the Syrian families and individuals
who have sought refuge in Lebanon from the civil war in their homeland.
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) grant will support MELM in providing
relief to the women and children in the refugee camps with basic humanitarian supplies,
including food staples and hygiene kits so that they can live with dignity, bringing a
long-term growth and expansion of the Gospel to destitute woman and children living in
those refugee camps, now and after they return to their homeland.
We have a great opportunity in the LWML to help and support this organization, which
everyday gives new testimonies of Christian vocation, professionalism, and love.
Seeds
The Bible often uses seeds as symbols of faith
or God’s Word. In the Old Testament, seeds also
refer to offspring. Jesus said people who believe in
him can perform mighty deeds with “faith the size
of a mustard seed” (Luke 17:6, NRSV). Many of
Jesus’ teachings use seed imagery; for example, in
the parable of the four soils, he said the seed,
God’s Word, can grow only when people hear it,
“hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear
fruit with patient endurance” (Luke 8:15, NRSV).
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Dear Church Family and Friends,
It’s a new year and Love INC of Greater Merced has incorporated a key
feature in the clearinghouse process. In 2015, Love INC of Greater Merced
met the needs of nearly 600 families. We could not have blessed so many
families without your prayers and support. However, as a result of the high
volume of calls over the years, we have decided to direct clients to our
website loveincmerced.com in order to complete the Client Intake Form.
Clients are now able to maneuver through the website with improved ease of access.
Additionally, we have updated our referral cards with our website address and instructions
on expediting the process of client requests. With this new modification we aim to minimize
the response time significantly. Finally, this feature allows clearinghouse volunteers to spend
more quality time encouraging and praying with clients. We have begun distributing our
NEW referral cards and brochures to our church partners. Please notify us if you have not
yet received these materials.
We invite you to join us in tackling the New Year with a new vision for the Love INC
Clearinghouse of Greater Merced. We want to continue being a blessing to community
members in need. Please encourage your church members and friends to participate in
our revamped clearinghouse. Volunteer ministry positions are available in morning or
afternoon shifts (and very much needed!) Mon-Thurs. from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. These
individuals will have the opportunity to love, encourage and pray with people in need as
they share their story in a confidential phone interview.
Anyone interested in volunteering can submit an online application found on our website at
www.loveincmerced.com/volunteer.html
For questions or more information, please contact Hulda Cisneros, our Clearinghouse
Coordinator at (209) 383-7034 x110 or our website at
[email protected]. Thank you and have a blessed week!
March 2016 LCMS Stewardship Newsletter Article
Lent is a season of repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin, while we turn toward
God for the forgiveness of sins. During Lent, we hear the Word of God and consider our
lives in light of it. We confess our failures, and receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, and
then commit ourselves to do better.
What does God say about giving to the Church? The Bible tells us. Our giving should be
first fruits giving (Genesis 4:4; Proverbs 3:9). Our giving should be regular, on the first day
of week, which has the Divine Service in mind (1 Corinthians 6:1–2). Our giving should be
proportional: according to our income (1 Corinthians 16:1–2), according to what we have
been given (2 Corinthians 8:12; Luke 12:48), our giving should be given with a spirit of
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eagerness and enthusiasm (2 Corinthians 9:2), generosity and liberality (2 Corinthians 8:20),
cheerfully without compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our giving should be directed to those
who teach us (Galatians 6:6–7) because a laborer is worthy of his hire, and we all know the
going rate of such laborers in our communities (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18).
Now consider your own giving in light of the Bible’s teaching. Are you giving of your first
fruits, taking it out of your paycheck first, or does God get what’s left over? Are you giving
voluntarily and cheerfully? Are you giving proportionally and generously? Are you giving
with eagerness and enthusiasm? Are you giving to your local congregation, sharing all good
things with the one who teaches you? If your answer to any of these is “No,” then repent.
Turn away from your sin and toward God for forgiveness. Confess your failure. Receive
absolution. And commit to do better. We know that the Spirit is willing but our flesh is weak.
We believe, and we pray that God, through Word and Sacrament, would help our unbelief,
our lack of trust in His ability to provide.
And this is precisely what God promises. This is what St. Paul wrote to the Church in
Corinth: ““The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make
all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may
about in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the
poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for
food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your
righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us
will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:6–15).
St. Paul tells us that the Lord of all will both supply and increase what you need to give to
the church for its work in and for the world. He tells us that this work that God is doing in us
will enrich and bless us in every way and through this it will produce thanksgiving to God.
Everyone benefits. We will be blessed in our giving, and it will produce thanksgiving to God
in those who receive it.
Giving to the church is not a burden, just like all of God’s teaching (1 John 5:2–4). They are
not a burden because of He who gives it: the God who loves us and gave His only Son to die
so that we may live. He loved us in that He sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the
law to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. . . . So we are no
longer slaves, but sons, and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:4–5, 7). We are
heirs. We receive the full rights of sons, a status that Christ our Lord achieved for us by His
death, resurrection, and ascension.
So we strive to do what He asks because we are His children. And when we don’t, we repent.
We confess our sins. We receive absolution. We desire to do better, praying that God would
work in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
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A time to laugh
On the Monday after Easter, some
Greek Orthodox Christians gather
to swap jokes. Why not? What’s
more uplifting than God’s triumphant
victory over sin and death?
Easter is absolute proof that God is
Lord of both life and death. That’s
cause for not only rejoicing but
hearty laughter.
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Prayers for: Outreach in Refugee Camps - Lebanon
PRAYER #1
Dear Jesus, We thank You for all the blessings that You grant to our
lives. Respect for life, freedom, health, home, and family unity are
precious treasures. Sadly, not many refugees have these blessings. Therefore, into Your hands we
place our faith that, through the Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM), the Good News of
Your salvation can be known to all families-men, women, and children, that today live without
hope. In Your name we pray. Amen.
PRAYER #2
Gracious Father, You are a God of wisdom, power, and love. In this time of prayer, we ask
You to be merciful with all of those unfaithful people with hopeless souls so that through Your
beloved Son, Jesus, they may live. Bless all those who made it possible through financial aid to
create refugee camps in Lebanon. Also bless all those who are in the "field" devoting their time,
their talents, and especially their love for all those lost sheep. In Your name we pray. Amen
PRAYER #3
Almighty God, open our hearts, sowing in them the seed of love for our neighbors. Powerful
God —Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity: With humble hearts, we ask that all men,
women and children reached through the staff and volunteers of the Middle East Lutheran
Ministry (MELM), see Your light and Your love. We know that the most important of Your
commandments is to love. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel:
The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” In His name we pray. Amen.
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PRAYER #4
Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of Your love. Use us so that many more may receive Your gift
of faith bringing salvation, so they can be part of your family, the Church, throughout the world.
In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, January 31, 2016 6:46 PM
Please pray for Inie Meidlinger's nephew, David. He has a blood clot in his leg.
Monday, February 1, 2016 11:58 AM
Please pray for Barbara Higgins brother, Henry. He is hospitalized in Mesa, AZ suffering
from a blood clot in his leg, a kidney stone, and other medical issues.
Thank you, Dennis Northern
Monday, February 1, 2016 5:17 PM
Jennie's knee surgery has been postponed until She has an MRA exam.
Please pray for her sister Cathy whose boyfriend died from a stroke.
Thank you, Connie Northern
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 7:25 AM
Klyde got to come home for a 4 day break from Doernbecher's, (So we thought) on Sat. He
had to go to our local Hospital ER due to him not being able to poop for 7 days & feeling so
miserable. He wasn't wanting to eat or drink either. Oncologist up in Portland advised they
needed to come back. So, in less than 24 hrs,,, they had to take the trip back. Today they had
to insert a NP tube done through his little nose to help flush the blockage. It will need to stay
in until they get results. He has also been running a fever & his white blood cell count is low.
Just 1 week into his Chemo. Continued prayers for Klyde Gunn. Carol Rogge
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 5:25 AM
My Aunt Joan Kessler has passed to be with the Lord this morning.....prayers for our family.
Kessler Family
Saturday, February 13, 2016 7:20 PM
Please keep Ernie and JoAnn Connor in prayer. Ernie is recovering from a stroke.
Tuesday, March 01, 2016 7:13 PM
Please pray for Brandy Hopkins' friend, Joey, and his family. Joey's mom is having surgery
tomorrow and he has an uncle that is very ill and not expected to live.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 9:31 PM
Prayers of thanksgiving for my good friend Tiffany Gossman who was diagnosed with colon
cancer this past summer. She as finished her chemotherapy, and received a "cancer free"
report recently. Praise God! Kendra Granado
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MARCH’S SPECIAL DATES
BIRTHDAYS
John Kessler
OF OUR
MEMBERS
BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
03/01 Harvey Iken
03/09 Earl & Marilyn
Dennis Northern
03/15
Phillips
03/15
Gail Iken
03/16
Irene Iken
03/16
Kendra Granado
03/16
Lillian Hopkins
03/27
SERVING IN
AT
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH
Please Remember: It is up to YOU to arrange coverage if YOU are
UNABLE to serve on your scheduled day. Please contact the church
office with any changes.
THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR STEWARDSHIP TALENTS
BY SERVING DURING WORSHIP!!!
Elders:
Aron Schmidt
Larry Rogge
Acolytes: Volunteers
Lay Readers: Volunteers
Stewardship: See Earl
Ushers: Volunteers
Altar Guild:
Gail Iken
Irene Iken
Altar Flowers/Before &
After Worship Greeters
No flowers for Lent
Sundays in March.
Please provide Easter
Lilies and Cut Flowers to
decorate the Cross for
Easter day, March 27th. .
If you would like to help with
any of these committees,
please call the church office.
358-3471
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1495 Underwood
Atwater, Ca. 95301 Tel. 209-358-3471
Sunday Service 10:15 Sunday School 8:45
E-mail [email protected]
Web site: http://holycrossatwater.wordpress.com/
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Volume 36
No. 03
MAR 2016
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
Pastor Ken Klaus & Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz
"Is God in My Plans?" January 31, 2016
(Jesus said) "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
God. You may be blessed to have heard people talking about God since you were small.
Maybe God was one of the first words you had learned.
That is all fine and well, but the big question is this: "Is God part of your life?" By that I
mean when you make plans or come to a decision, has the Lord been consulted and was He
an important part of that process? Or is it possible that you, like so many other people, only
think of and come to the Lord in times of danger and suffering?
As long as we are asking questions, maybe I ought to add is your Bible a nice, fine-looking
volume, which is confined to a position of honor on your bookshelf? Is it a book you have
intended to read, but never have gotten around to it? Or did you take a stab at it many
years ago and then put it aside because you didn't understand anything and concluded the
Scriptures were too complicated for the likes of someone like you?
It is my prayer that you know the Bible is the Word of God.
If that is the case, why not take advantage of this time to open the Bible and find out how it
can be of service to you? Remember, it is through the Bible that God, our Creator, wishes to
speak to our hearts. In the Bible we are told what price the Heavenly Father was willing to
pay so we might be forgiven of our sins and be given eternal life.
It is in Scripture we hear of the Savior's life, suffering, death and resurrection. That the
Savior was willing to leave heaven and suffer all the injustice and inequity this world could
produce shows the depth of the Lord's love.
But that love does not end at the borrowed and empty tomb. In the Bible we also hear God's
promise: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and
you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15).
Again and again, God's Word tells us God wants to be involved in our
lives. He wants to help.
When we feel pain, loss and suffering, our whole life is affected. Fear
comes in those moments. Are you lost? Is there a solution? Yes, there
is!
The answer to overcoming fear is hold on to Jesus. At such times we
need to hear the Bible which says "No temptation has overtaken you
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that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your
ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able
to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Trust in the promise of God, for He is faithful and remains prepared to help and to save you.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being in my life. I know that You
will be always with me in my peaceful time and also in troubling moments. I give
thanks that, because of Jesus' sacrifice and victory, because of the Holy Spirit's work,
You will always be there. In Jesus I give thanks. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Eliezer Canales. Since
2010 he has been one of our volunteers who has offered his time at our local office in
Nicaragua. Today he is bringing the message of Christ to the people of Nicaragua through
our radio programs which are broadcast in FM and distributed online.
Lutheran Hour Ministries-Nicaragua is known in-country as "Christ for All Nations" or
Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones in Spanish. Launching its Gospel efforts in Chinandega in
1999, LHM-Nicaragua offers Project JOEL, an educational program helping children and
young people make healthy lifestyle choices. High school and university students benefit
from this program as well. Using Equipping the Saints (ETS) evangelism workshops to
facilitate Gospel conversations and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) to build up and
edify students of Scripture, inroads are being made into people's lives with the Good News
of salvation in Jesus Christ. Based today in León, this ministry center produces a weekly
radio broadcast and 30-second on-air spots. These are augmented with "Radio Cristo Nica,"
an Internet and radio program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping others in this
Central American country of six million people.
"Do It Yourself" February 8, 2016
As He (Jesus) was praying, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothes became
dazzling white. Luke 9:29
In The Lutheran Hour sermon this past weekend, I spoke about the do-it-yourself thinking
that has taken our culture by storm. We can go to YouTube and find expert tips and detailed
demos on how to tile our bathrooms, repair our washing machines, even how to get our
makeup just so.
The DIY attitude comes quite naturally to us. It shows itself from our toddler days, when we
insisted on walking ourselves, feeding ourselves, dressing ourselves -- pushing away the
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more competent hands of our mothers and fathers. But that gets
pretty tiring in this life. Don't you get exhausted struggling to
pay your bills, dealing with your aches and pains, fighting the
daily temptations, juggling your hectic schedule, trying to stay
fit and healthy, and searching for a little bit of rest here and
there? And how often do we falter and fail? Wouldn't it be nice
to set those burdens aside from time to time and sit down and
rest while someone else handles them?
God never designed our lives to be a great list of DIY projects.
He created us to be in relationship with Him. And even if we
were able to accomplish a majority of these projects, He knows
that kind of living will leave us worn out, bitter, disappointed
and disillusioned because all our projects are short-lived. They
will always fail to bring lasting peace, joy, contentment and
hope.
And besides, there are all kinds of things we can't do for ourselves. We can't control the
weather, or the actions of other people. We can't keep the economy from growing stagnant or
our bodies from aging. We can't stop ourselves from stumbling and falling. We are not as
self-sufficient as we might like to think.
That is why Jesus invites us, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest" (Matthew 11:28). On the Mountain of Transfiguration, Jesus' disciples -- Peter,
James and John -- got to experience a brief taste of the eternal rest that awaits each of us in
heaven. They looked in awe and wonder upon Jesus' dazzling body which no longer
concealed His divine majesty. They listened to His discussion with Moses and Elijah as
they spoke about the great project only He could complete: saving the world from all our
sins. No wonder Peter wanted to stay there.
Yet when they came down that mountain, it was Jesus who took on Himself the greatest DIY
project. He took it upon Himself to pay the price for our failings and flaws, our disobedience
and stubborn self-reliance when He took our place on the cross and by His sufferings there
satisfied all of God's wrath at our sins. He was abandoned by His Father so that we might
never be left alone. He promises "I am with you always, even to the end of the
age" (Matthew 28:20b).
When He takes away the burdens of our guilt, failings and brokenness, He sets us free to
help those around us who are being crushed beneath their burdens in life. He joins us to His
church, to share each other's struggles and bring each other's needs in prayer to our Heavenly
Father. No longer are we do-it-yourself people, we are do-it-together-with-the-Lord-at-ourside people today and forever.
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THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You removed my burden as You carried my sins to the
cross and destroyed them forever. Give me grace and strength to notice those around
me who are crushed beneath their burdens, that I may joyfully share Your free
salvation with them. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
"Helping Someone" January 9, 2016
(Jesus said) "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the
least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" Matthew 25:40
Nine-year-old Brent was in second grade when most children his age were fourth-graders.
Brent was big for his years, a clumsy fellow, and learning was always a struggle, but Brent
was also a kindly soul, a gentle boy, a child who would always defend the underdog.
Wishing to give their boy self-confidence, his parents encouraged him to audition for the
Sunday school Christmas service.
Brent wanted to be a shepherd, but he was given the role of the innkeeper.
The teacher in charge of casting figured Brent's size would lend believability to the role
when he had to refuse a room to Mary, Joseph and the soon-to-born Jesus. Brent's parents
helped with his lines, and Brent learned to be firm as he told Joseph, "There was no room in
the inn."
The night of the service, no one was more caught up in the story than Brent. That's why,
when Joseph knocked on the painted cardboard door of the makeshift inn, Brent was ready.
He flung the door open and asked menacingly, "What do you want?"
"We seek lodging," Joseph replied.
"Seek it elsewhere," Brent said in a firm and deep voice. "There's no room in the inn."
"Please, good innkeeper," Joseph pleaded, "This is my wife, Mary. She is with child and is
very tired. She needs a place to rest."
There was a long pause as Brent looked down at Mary. The teacher in charge of the service
was prepared and whispered Brent's line: "No! Be gone!" Brent remained silent. In the best
of acting tradition, the couple playing Mary and Joseph turned and began to slowly move
into the darkness.
Seeing this, Brent called out, "Don't go! You can have my room."
Most people, when they hear that story, smile and are glad to see the kindness and
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compassion of this most special young man. They approve of what he did. But I wonder
how many of us are ready to emulate Brent? How many would say and do what Brent
did for the pretend parents of the Christ Child?
Each day we all receive requests for donations from needy causes.
Some of them are good causes and some just look good. It is
impossible for us to respond to all of them. Our purses and pockets
are not deep enough to meet all of these needs.
But that doesn't mean we should ignore all of those needs.
We who have been blessed by the Savior's sacrifice need to
remember that He entered this world to help the spiritual beggars
of this world: us. We were helpless sinners: people who had no
chance of escaping the terrible punishment that awaited us. But
Jesus came and gave Himself to pay the price for our forgiveness
and salvation.
Now we unworthies, who have been blessed by His largesse, ought
to do our best to help others. It's our way of saying "thanks" and honoring the Savior who
gave so much for us.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in appreciation for the Savior's gift to me, I ask my heart
be opened to those who are unfortunate. Although I may not be able to help everyone,
let me reach out to someone. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.
"Some Really Good News" January 29, 2016
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold,
the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and
gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to
Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of
reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
To the best of my knowledge, none of the Daily Devotion readers have won the $1.6 billion
Powerball lottery.
Now just because Pam and I didn't win those mega-dollars, that doesn't mean we didn't
receive a lot of enjoyment from the lottery. After Christmas, as we drove back from
Minnesota to Texas, we passed some of those miles by talking about what we would do
if we were ever to receive such a fortune.
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We spoke of paying off mortgages for our children, setting up trust funds for our
grandchildren, and whether we would need bodyguards to keep us safe. We spoke of serious
things and those which were more frivolous. We talked of lake cottages and trips we have
not yet taken. We chatted about the cars we might like ('57 Chevy convertible) and how we
would respond to all the folks who would show up on our doorstep asking us to invest
in "get-rich" schemes.
But, as I said, you didn't win, and we didn't either.
On the other hand, John and Lisa Robinson from Tennessee did win and are receiving
one-third of the prize. After they came forward, the Robinsons went to New York and
allowed themselves to be interviewed on morning TV. Two of the questions they fielded
were "How will your life be changed?" and "What are you going to do which is different?"
I was shocked to hear the Robinsons are going to continue to live in their modest home and,
although they no longer need to, they will keep their current jobs. They said on the following
Monday they intended to show up at work, as if nothing had happened.
I was surprised by their responses. On the one hand, I admired them for keeping their values
and standards when many other people would have gone nutso. But I was also shocked. It
occurred to me that life-changing good news should make a profound difference in their lives
and the way they approached things.
The same ought to be said for those who have been given the great news of forgiveness and
salvation that has been won for them by the Savior. We have been given the best news
possible, and our lives and hearts should reflect that change in wonderful and powerful ways.
As St. Paul wrote, "if anyone is in Christ He is a new creature. The old has passed away and
the new has come." It is a transformation which is more sweeping and should cause greater
excitement than winning a temporary and, dare I say it, a paltry $1.6 billion.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because of Jesus' successful sacrifice I have been made
richer than I ever imagined. May my life reflect the joy of a person whose sins have
been forgiven and who has been awarded eternal life. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
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Bible Quiz
While Jesus was dying on the cross, who
mocked him, saying, “He saved others;
he cannot save himself”?
A. Priests
B. Scribes
C. Elders
D. All of the above
The legend of the sand dollar
There’s a pretty little legend that I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus found in this lowly
shell.
If you examine closely, you’ll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth hole, made by a Roman’s
spear.
On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds and led them from
afar.
The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side
Reminds us of his birthday, our happy Christmastide.
Now break the center open, and here you will release
The five white doves awaiting to spread good will and
peace.
This simple little symbol, Christ left for you and me
To help us spread his Gospel, through all eternity.
—Author unknown
Answer: D (See Matthew 27:41-42.)
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LWML 2-8-2106
President, Gail Iken, opened the meeting with prayer.
Minutes from the last meeting were presented and approved.
Correspondence needing no action will be posted. Mail received were receipts, newsletters
and donation request.
Mary Rahn presented the Treasurer’s report. The report will be filed for audit. It was
requested to discuss the layout of the treasurer’s funds.
Love Gift: The proceeds from the Sweet Sale of $130 will be combined with the $30 Love
Gift for February. $80 will be donated to Holy Cross Youth and $80 will be donated to
Alpha Pregnancy Help Center.
The offering was collected.
No Christian Growth.
Old Business
$130 was collected from the Sweet sale.
Convention: Registration information was shared.
Handbook: The LWML handbook is being updated.
Country pantry: No disbursements will be made until more funds are collected.
New Business
Spring Rally is in Merced at St. Paul’s on March 19th. Registration is due March 10.
Pre registration is $13. The cost to pay at the door is $15. Item for the Ingathering
will go to Sierra Saving Grace.
Lenten dinners: The first Lenten Dinner is February 17.
Cookbooks: A count will be completed to see how many are left.
Mites: A devotion, Hope and healing to the Navajo people was read. 18 District Mite
projects are funded with 3 to go.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Irene Iken
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OUTREACH IN REFUGEE CAMPS—LEBANON $72,000
The Word of God is brought to Lebanon through Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon,
known locally as Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM). The ministry began in Beirut in
1950, and their offices are used to spread the message of salvation in Jesus Christ throughout
the region.
LHM—Lebanon’s radio broadcasts reach at least ten Arabic-speaking countries with the
Gospel. The center receives responses from all over the Middle East and offers opportunities
to learn more about Jesus through its Arabic-language Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC)
and other print media. The center also attracts people through television programming, film
shows and other events, a website, and text messages that are available by subscription.
MELM also reaches out to struggling communities through vacation Bible schools and
through holistic programs that provide clothing and school supplies for children. The center
also provides holistic emergency care for people such as the Syrian families and individuals
who have sought refuge in Lebanon from the civil war in their homeland.
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) grant will support MELM in providing
relief to the women and children in the refugee camps with basic humanitarian supplies,
including food staples and hygiene kits so that they can live with dignity, bringing a
long-term growth and expansion of the Gospel to destitute woman and children living in
those refugee camps, now and after they return to their homeland.
We have a great opportunity in the LWML to help and support this organization, which
everyday gives new testimonies of Christian vocation, professionalism, and love.
Seeds
The Bible often uses seeds as symbols of faith
or God’s Word. In the Old Testament, seeds also
refer to offspring. Jesus said people who believe in
him can perform mighty deeds with “faith the size
of a mustard seed” (Luke 17:6, NRSV). Many of
Jesus’ teachings use seed imagery; for example, in
the parable of the four soils, he said the seed,
God’s Word, can grow only when people hear it,
“hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear
fruit with patient endurance” (Luke 8:15, NRSV).
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Dear Church Family and Friends,
It’s a new year and Love INC of Greater Merced has incorporated a key
feature in the clearinghouse process. In 2015, Love INC of Greater Merced
met the needs of nearly 600 families. We could not have blessed so many
families without your prayers and support. However, as a result of the high
volume of calls over the years, we have decided to direct clients to our
website loveincmerced.com in order to complete the Client Intake Form.
Clients are now able to maneuver through the website with improved ease of access.
Additionally, we have updated our referral cards with our website address and instructions
on expediting the process of client requests. With this new modification we aim to minimize
the response time significantly. Finally, this feature allows clearinghouse volunteers to spend
more quality time encouraging and praying with clients. We have begun distributing our
NEW referral cards and brochures to our church partners. Please notify us if you have not
yet received these materials.
We invite you to join us in tackling the New Year with a new vision for the Love INC
Clearinghouse of Greater Merced. We want to continue being a blessing to community
members in need. Please encourage your church members and friends to participate in
our revamped clearinghouse. Volunteer ministry positions are available in morning or
afternoon shifts (and very much needed!) Mon-Thurs. from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. These
individuals will have the opportunity to love, encourage and pray with people in need as
they share their story in a confidential phone interview.
Anyone interested in volunteering can submit an online application found on our website at
www.loveincmerced.com/volunteer.html
For questions or more information, please contact Hulda Cisneros, our Clearinghouse
Coordinator at (209) 383-7034 x110 or our website at
[email protected]. Thank you and have a blessed week!
March 2016 LCMS Stewardship Newsletter Article
Lent is a season of repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin, while we turn toward
God for the forgiveness of sins. During Lent, we hear the Word of God and consider our
lives in light of it. We confess our failures, and receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, and
then commit ourselves to do better.
What does God say about giving to the Church? The Bible tells us. Our giving should be
first fruits giving (Genesis 4:4; Proverbs 3:9). Our giving should be regular, on the first day
of week, which has the Divine Service in mind (1 Corinthians 6:1–2). Our giving should be
proportional: according to our income (1 Corinthians 16:1–2), according to what we have
been given (2 Corinthians 8:12; Luke 12:48), our giving should be given with a spirit of
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eagerness and enthusiasm (2 Corinthians 9:2), generosity and liberality (2 Corinthians 8:20),
cheerfully without compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our giving should be directed to those
who teach us (Galatians 6:6–7) because a laborer is worthy of his hire, and we all know the
going rate of such laborers in our communities (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18).
Now consider your own giving in light of the Bible’s teaching. Are you giving of your first
fruits, taking it out of your paycheck first, or does God get what’s left over? Are you giving
voluntarily and cheerfully? Are you giving proportionally and generously? Are you giving
with eagerness and enthusiasm? Are you giving to your local congregation, sharing all good
things with the one who teaches you? If your answer to any of these is “No,” then repent.
Turn away from your sin and toward God for forgiveness. Confess your failure. Receive
absolution. And commit to do better. We know that the Spirit is willing but our flesh is weak.
We believe, and we pray that God, through Word and Sacrament, would help our unbelief,
our lack of trust in His ability to provide.
And this is precisely what God promises. This is what St. Paul wrote to the Church in
Corinth: ““The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make
all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may
about in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the
poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for
food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your
righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us
will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:6–15).
St. Paul tells us that the Lord of all will both supply and increase what you need to give to
the church for its work in and for the world. He tells us that this work that God is doing in us
will enrich and bless us in every way and through this it will produce thanksgiving to God.
Everyone benefits. We will be blessed in our giving, and it will produce thanksgiving to God
in those who receive it.
Giving to the church is not a burden, just like all of God’s teaching (1 John 5:2–4). They are
not a burden because of He who gives it: the God who loves us and gave His only Son to die
so that we may live. He loved us in that He sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the
law to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. . . . So we are no
longer slaves, but sons, and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:4–5, 7). We are
heirs. We receive the full rights of sons, a status that Christ our Lord achieved for us by His
death, resurrection, and ascension.
So we strive to do what He asks because we are His children. And when we don’t, we repent.
We confess our sins. We receive absolution. We desire to do better, praying that God would
work in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
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A time to laugh
On the Monday after Easter, some
Greek Orthodox Christians gather
to swap jokes. Why not? What’s
more uplifting than God’s triumphant
victory over sin and death?
Easter is absolute proof that God is
Lord of both life and death. That’s
cause for not only rejoicing but
hearty laughter.
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Prayers for: Outreach in Refugee Camps - Lebanon
PRAYER #1
Dear Jesus, We thank You for all the blessings that You grant to our
lives. Respect for life, freedom, health, home, and family unity are
precious treasures. Sadly, not many refugees have these blessings. Therefore, into Your hands we
place our faith that, through the Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM), the Good News of
Your salvation can be known to all families-men, women, and children, that today live without
hope. In Your name we pray. Amen.
PRAYER #2
Gracious Father, You are a God of wisdom, power, and love. In this time of prayer, we ask
You to be merciful with all of those unfaithful people with hopeless souls so that through Your
beloved Son, Jesus, they may live. Bless all those who made it possible through financial aid to
create refugee camps in Lebanon. Also bless all those who are in the "field" devoting their time,
their talents, and especially their love for all those lost sheep. In Your name we pray. Amen
PRAYER #3
Almighty God, open our hearts, sowing in them the seed of love for our neighbors. Powerful
God —Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity: With humble hearts, we ask that all men,
women and children reached through the staff and volunteers of the Middle East Lutheran
Ministry (MELM), see Your light and Your love. We know that the most important of Your
commandments is to love. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel:
The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” In His name we pray. Amen.
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PRAYER #4
Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of Your love. Use us so that many more may receive Your gift
of faith bringing salvation, so they can be part of your family, the Church, throughout the world.
In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, January 31, 2016 6:46 PM
Please pray for Inie Meidlinger's nephew, David. He has a blood clot in his leg.
Monday, February 1, 2016 11:58 AM
Please pray for Barbara Higgins brother, Henry. He is hospitalized in Mesa, AZ suffering
from a blood clot in his leg, a kidney stone, and other medical issues.
Thank you, Dennis Northern
Monday, February 1, 2016 5:17 PM
Jennie's knee surgery has been postponed until She has an MRA exam.
Please pray for her sister Cathy whose boyfriend died from a stroke.
Thank you, Connie Northern
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 7:25 AM
Klyde got to come home for a 4 day break from Doernbecher's, (So we thought) on Sat. He
had to go to our local Hospital ER due to him not being able to poop for 7 days & feeling so
miserable. He wasn't wanting to eat or drink either. Oncologist up in Portland advised they
needed to come back. So, in less than 24 hrs,,, they had to take the trip back. Today they had
to insert a NP tube done through his little nose to help flush the blockage. It will need to stay
in until they get results. He has also been running a fever & his white blood cell count is low.
Just 1 week into his Chemo. Continued prayers for Klyde Gunn. Carol Rogge
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 5:25 AM
My Aunt Joan Kessler has passed to be with the Lord this morning.....prayers for our family.
Kessler Family
Saturday, February 13, 2016 7:20 PM
Please keep Ernie and JoAnn Connor in prayer. Ernie is recovering from a stroke.
Tuesday, March 01, 2016 7:13 PM
Please pray for Brandy Hopkins' friend, Joey, and his family. Joey's mom is having surgery
tomorrow and he has an uncle that is very ill and not expected to live.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 9:31 PM
Prayers of thanksgiving for my good friend Tiffany Gossman who was diagnosed with colon
cancer this past summer. She as finished her chemotherapy, and received a "cancer free"
report recently. Praise God! Kendra Granado
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MARCH’S SPECIAL DATES
BIRTHDAYS
John Kessler
OF OUR
MEMBERS
BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
03/01 Harvey Iken
03/09 Earl & Marilyn
Dennis Northern
03/15
Phillips
03/15
Gail Iken
03/16
Irene Iken
03/16
Kendra Granado
03/16
Lillian Hopkins
03/27
SERVING IN
AT
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH
Please Remember: It is up to YOU to arrange coverage if YOU are
UNABLE to serve on your scheduled day. Please contact the church
office with any changes.
THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR STEWARDSHIP TALENTS
BY SERVING DURING WORSHIP!!!
Elders:
Aron Schmidt
Larry Rogge
Acolytes: Volunteers
Lay Readers: Volunteers
Stewardship: See Earl
Ushers: Volunteers
Altar Guild:
Gail Iken
Irene Iken
Altar Flowers/Before &
After Worship Greeters
No flowers for Lent
Sundays in March.
Please provide Easter
Lilies and Cut Flowers to
decorate the Cross for
Easter day, March 27th. .
If you would like to help with
any of these committees,
please call the church office.
358-3471
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