2/22/26 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Here are this week’s updates to pass along to you:

 

  • This past Sunday at worship I informed you during the announcements that Ernie Thoms had suffered another major stroke, on Saturday.   Here is the latest on him.  This stroke is worse than the one he had in July.  He is still in ICU at AnMed and not receiving visits at this time.  He has made some improvements this week.  Please continue to keep Ernie, Jeanette and their two sons – Keith and Darrell, and family in your thoughts and prayers.

  • That being said, our Day of Recognition for Ernie that was scheduled for this coming Sunday has been postponed.

  • Sunday School classes for all ages will resume on Sunday.

  • Sunday’s worship theme will be about facing the temptations of life.  Our Old Testament reading will be Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 (Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden) and the Gospel readings will be Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus squaring off against the devil for 40 days and nights in the wilderness).  And what would a worship service on temptation be like, without our final hymn being A Mighty Fortress Is Our God?

  • The Lutheran Men in Mission will gather on Monday evening for their monthly supper meeting at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

  • Each Wednesday night, up until Easter, you are invited to our Lenten meal (6:00 p.m.) followed by our Lenten worship service.  A free-will offering will be received for the meal each week. We will be focusing on the petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father Who Art In Heaven.”

  • If you are not able to attend our mid-week worship services, they will be recorded each week and placed on our church website.

  • If you are interested in purchasing one of the red congregational T-shirts I showed you in my sermon last Sunday, with the words, “The church has left the building . . . to serve God’s people!,” please let me know.  I have about a dozen remaining.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

BOLD WOMEN SUNDAY

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BOLD WOMEN SUNDAY
During both of our worship services today we will be celebrating the bold women in our life. It is on this day that we
give thanks to God for all women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in
their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their
advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family, home, or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. 
Amy Goodson will be giving our Temple Talk this morning.

Lent Reminders

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LENT
Just a reminder
The Forty Days before Easter are the Lenten season. During this time we omit the refrains that are
connected to celebrating Christ’s resurrection and we use the verses appropriate for Lent. They are:
• We refrain from singing Alleluias because of its connection to Easter.
• There is no Absolution (minister declaring our forgiveness, page 118) for all of Lent is a time of self-examination.
• We omit the Hymn of Praise: “Glory to God in the highest” and we instead lead straight into The Prayer of the Day.
• We sing the Lenten verse: “Let your steadfast Love” page 125.
• We use the Apostles’ Creed.
On Easter Sunday, April 5th, we will return to the verses praising our Lord and His resurrection.

Why is there a dead tree in the Sanctuary?

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You can’t help but notice the “dead” tree covered in caterpillars which has appeared in the Sanctuary. You may question – why is it here or what is it about?
Things are different in both the church and nature this time of year. There are some things “sleeping” in our worship such as the use of Alleluias. Everything in our yards such as the grass and trees look dead but they too are just “sleeping”. Some of God’s creatures such as caterpillars make cocoons. Although we might think they are dead, they actually have rebirth as a butterfly.
This tree is actually here to help each of us to remember that while the weather often is cool and gray and the grass is brown and the trees bare, there is the hope that Spring is coming! Bulbs are blooming and the days are getting longer. Just as we have hope for Spring, Lent gives us a time to hope for Easter and the promise that the resurrection brings. Just as the change of seasons brings surprises, keep watching the tree thru the Lenten season – there are more surprises to come!
In past years this has been a project of the LCY and the Sunday School children but this year we included all families of the congregation during a Family Fun Night event.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY update

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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY
Last Sunday, the youth collected $681.00 total funds (Patriots $189.00, Seattle $493.00). These donations will go to AIM. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

02/15/25 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,

Here are this week’s updates to pass along to you:

  • Thank you for your generosity this past Sunday.  Together we as a congregation gave $681.00 to the Souper Bowl of Caring!  In case you are wondering of the break down, $493.00 was given to Seattle and $189.00 was given to New England as your favorite team.  Perhaps we influenced the Super Bowl after all! The real winner is AIM who will be the recipient of these funds.

  • This Sunday is Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday.  I will be preaching on the gospel text, Matthew 17:1-9.  It would be helpful for you to read over ahead of time this text, as well as the Old Testament reading, Exodus 24:12-18.  You should have no trouble see the connection between the two.

  • Our Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place next week at Boulevard Baptist Church from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Sunday after worship will be the last opportunity to purchase tickets. Our congregation is always well represented at this event, not only in the eating but with our Lutheran Men in Mission doing a lot of the cooking.  This is a great time for fellowship before we enter the solemn season of Lent.

  • You may have noticed two Shrove Tuesday events listed in our recent bulletins and newsletter. Please be mindful that our friends at Church of the Ascension Anglican will be using our Fellowship Hall that evening.

  • We are offering two Ash Wednesday worship services next week.  The first one will take place at 12:00 Noon and the second one at 7:00 p.m. Both services are identical with the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion being offered.  Come to the worship service of your choice.  Every Wednesday in Lent, I will be preaching a Lenten series on the Lord’s Prayer.

  • A week from today, the women of the congregation are invited to their monthly Luther’s Ladies Circle Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

  • We celebrate with Davis and Sarah Ann Bannister on the birth of their son, Roy Hyland Bannister, who was born February 5. Congratulations are also in order for proud grandparents, Jay and Suzie Bannister, and great-grandmother, Georgia Lou Welborn.

  • We celebrate as well with Joejee and Jamie Jameson on the birth of their son, Joe Mattox Jameson, who was born February 7.  Congratulations are in order for proud grandparents, Lawson and Leigh Freeman.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

2/8/26 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

Here are this week’s updates:

  • Yes, we will have worship services Sunday!!!  I don’t know about you, but it felt so strange not to be in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day for the past two weeks, due to weather.  I am looking forward to being with you again in God’s presence Sunday.

  • I was incorrect with what I told you last week concerning the church’s WIFI.  The password has NOT changed.  When you are in one of the buildings on the church property, the password is still: Angel1Angel1

  • The Crafty Ladies event, which was scheduled for Saturday of this week, has been canceled.

  • There is a lot going on this coming Sunday:
    • Our Congregational Meeting will take place at 9:50 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  A light breakfast will be provided. Please be punctual as we have a lot to cover, hearing the accomplishments of last year.   
    • Sunday is Red Dress Sunday. You are invited to wear the color red as we highlight heart disease and education in women.
    • As the world turns its focus Sunday to football (Super Bowl), congregations across the nation will be participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting funds to the recipient of their choice.  Our youth will be at the back of the church with large soup pots to allow you to “vote” for your favorite team. All funds raised will be given to AIM.
    • I will be preaching on the gospel text, Matthew 5:13-20, as we hear the importance of salt and light.
    • Due to not having worship the past two weeks, we are really behind in selling tickets to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  You will only have Sunday, and the Sunday after that (February 15) to purchase your tickets.  For those who attend the Early Service, please see Robert Allen.  For those who attend the Late Service, please see Rob O’Connor, or you can stop by the office and Pat will get you set up.

  • Our next Family Fun Night will take place on Wednesday evening as we focus on Andrew and James.

  • Don’t forget our time of recognition on Sunday, February 22, as we thank Ernie Thoms for his 23 years of service as our Property Committee Chairperson.  This event will take place at 9:50 a.m. between the two services.  Refreshments will be provided by our Fellowship Committee.

  • We keep in our prayers, Ken Earp, who underwent neck surgery earlier in the week.

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

2/1/26 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

Here are this week’s updates to pass along to you:

  • Well, here we go again, with the weather.  At this point it seems very unlikely we will be able to have worship services Sunday due to the projected snow but Rynde Dial and I will make that call on Saturday and a member of the church council will be contacting you if we cancel services.

  • If we are able to meet, I will be preaching on the gospel text, Matthew 5:1-12, which is The Beatitudes.

  • When we start back worship, the pancake tickets will be available for the Annual Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, which will take place on February 17, or if you prefer, you can stop by the church office to purchase tickets from Pat.  They are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.

  • We just finished printing the 2026 Yearbook for the congregation.  It is made up of 2 parts. In the front is the new Church Directory and the back contains all the committee reports, worship assistant schedules, flower chart, etc.  A big thank you goes out to Pat Ross, Beth Cribbe, Mike Cox, Diane Richardson, Beth Fischer, and Nancy Scalf for spending several hours this afternoon collating, stapling and assembling these Yearbooks.  Every congregational household has one printed with a name label attached. They have been placed in the narthex for you to pick up at your convenience. If you get the chance, it would be helpful for you to stop by the church to get your copy, read over the reports and bring it with you to our Congregational Meeting.

  • The Lenten devotionals are in the narthex as well, ready for you to pick up.

  • On Thursday of next week, the Dining Divas will gather to enjoy a meal together and each other’s company, at Rigby’s.  Contact Beth Cribbe if you are planning to attend.

  • Our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be on Sunday, February 8 at 9:50 a.m. as we hear what we have accomplished together last year as the hands and feet of Christ.  A light breakfast will be provided.

  • We are thankful to the Lord to have been spared from most of the last week’s weather impact.  If you have been watching the news at all, you are aware of the need for us to pray for our neighbors in other states who are still struggling to keep warm with recent power outages and ice/snow damage.

      In Christ,

      Pastor Fischer

Lenten Schedule

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LENTEN WORSHIP AND SUPPER SCHEDULE
Sermon Series: “Lord, Teach Us To Pray”
Notes:
1)
Our annual Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place this year again at Boulevard Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 17.
2)
Both Ash Wednesday Services, Maundy Thursday Services, and Good Friday Services will be identical.
Wednesday, February 18 Ash Wednesday Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
[no meal] Message: “And When You Pray”
Wednesday, February 25 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [WELCA Meal Group A to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Our Father Who Art In Heaven”
Wednesday, March 4 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [WELCA Meal Group B to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Hallowed Be Thy Name”
Wednesday, March 11 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Lutheran Church Youth to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Thy Kingdom Come”
Wednesday, March 18 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Lutheran Men in Mission to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Thy Will Be Done”
Wednesday, March 25 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Congregational Potluck Meal]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
Thursday, April 2 – Maundy Thursday
[no meal] Maundy Thursday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
Message: “Forgive Us As We Forgive Others”
Friday, April 3 – Good Friday
[no meal] Good Friday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
Message: “Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From Evil”

3/14 WELCA Spring Foothills Conference Gathering

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WELCA Spring Foothills Conference Gathering
Saturday, March 14th, 2026
UniversityThe women of University Lutheran Church in Clemson, SC are pleased to host the Spring Conference for the Foothills Region on Saturday, March 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 9:30 am. A light lunch will be served.
Our guest speaker will be from Ripple of One, an organization that empowers families and young adults to move beyond the need for public assistance and into their full God-given potential. Ripple’s vision is to transform poverty into generational success one client at a time, and to walk alongside their clients by providing them with emotional, educational, and financial support. Please plan to join us as we gather to celebrate and act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. ALL ladies are invited.
Please RSVP by March 6TH to Beth Fischer at (864)933-7446 or fischerfive@att.net
Carpooling will be available.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!