8/2/20 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

 

Just a couple of things to pass along to you:

 

  1. Many of us look forward to receiving Holy Communion this Sunday, with it being the first Sunday of the month.  If you find yourself uncomfortable being with crowds during this time of COVID-19, let me know and we can schedule a time for you to join me in the sanctuary for private Communion.   I will wear my mask, if needed.
  2. Sunday, I will be preaching on the story of the Feeding of the 5,000, recorded in Matthew 14:13-21. 
  3. For a devotion, see how Matthew’s version differs from what is recorded in Mark, Luke and John.
  4. I am often asked how does a minister preach on the same story or text every three years?  The short answer is the Holy Spirit.  I think we have all read a passage over and over age, and God speaks to us differently each time, partly because the situations of life have changed and partly because we have changed.  For instance, what is meaningful to you as you read this passage from Matthew?  How is God speaking to you?  Here are possible (sermon) themes on this text:
    1. Why would the crowds want to travel with Jesus over the countryside?
    2. How does the compassion of Jesus play a key role in this story?
    3. What is our role in God’s work around us?
    4. How did the generosity and unselfishness of the little boy play a key role in this story?
    5. What do we do in times of facing the impossible challenges of life?

 

I pray to see you Sunday at worship or you see me at worship via the internet,

Pastor Fischer

7/26/20 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Again, thank you so much for making Saturday Servants such a success!  We have had plenty of volunteers and food donations and even financial donations to make this community outreach a possibility.

Sunday I will be preaching on the Gospel of Matthew and the surprises of God.  Please read and meditate on Matthew 13:31-33 and 44-52.  Questions to ponder:

  1. What do these parables have in common?
  2. What do mustard seed, yeast, treasure, pearls and fish have to do with each other?
  3. Which of these five parables do you relate to the most?
  4. Which parable is the most difficult for you to understand and relate to?
  5. Do you enjoy surprises?
  6. What is the greatest surprise anyone has ever given you?

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Fischer

7/19/20 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

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

  1. We are grateful to Tom Weeks for organizing our congregation’s involvement in the United Way SnackPack program, where folks gather at a site to put together bags of food for kids in school.  Members of our congregation have participated in this the last two years and Tom is putting together a list of those who are interested in participating.  If interested, contact Tom at trweeksjuno.com 
  2. We keep in our prayers John Dickson who is currently going through some difficult times with his health. 
  3. We had another good attendance this past Sunday in worship in Fellowship Hall with 23 folks at the Early Service and 29 at the Late Service for a total of 52. 
  4. If fighting weeds is your thing, then you will enjoy this Sunday’s sermon message based on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. 
  5. Some questions to ponder:
    1. Who are the “weeds” in our world today?
    2. What characteristics do they display?
    3. Where do “weeds” come from?
    4. What kind of farmer allows both weeds and wheat to grow together?
    5. Is it possible, in our Lutheran thought, that we are all filled with wheat and weeds? 
  6. I hope to see you at worship on Sunday or you seeing me over the internet.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

 

7/12/20 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Here are a couple of items to pass along to you:

  1. We are off to a great start with in-person worship services.  We had 27 in attendance at this past Sunday’s worship service for the Early Service and 23 at the Late Service.
  2. As these weeks drag on and on of not being able to attend worship for some of us, if you and/or your family is interested in meeting me in the church sanctuary to receive private Holy Communion, simply contact me to set up an appointment.
  3. The Church Council met this past Monday evening via Zoom and decided that the sanctuary CAN now be used for funeral/memorial services during this time of COVID-19, for the immediate family only.
  4. Please note, during this coronavirus time, WELCA will not be preparing or serving bereavement meals for the family.
  5.  If you have a green thumb, or enjoy working in the yard, or have worked with planting seeds, or have an aversion to waste, this Sunday’s message is especially for you.  Come hear a sermon on “Wasted Seed” based on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

New worship space in fellowship hall

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In case you may be wondering what the Fellowship Hall will look like tomorrow for worship, please see the photo attached.  We are very grateful to Nancy and Dave Korn for all their work!

Pastor Fischer

 

Weekly Congregational Updates 07/05/20

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

 

Here are a few items of interest to pass along to you:

 

  1. Yes, it is finally here!  Don’t forget this Sunday, July 5, we will be returning to in-person worship services.  These will of course be modified worship services due to COVID-19.  A 8:45 AM and a 11:00 AM service will be offered in Fellowship Hall for those comfortable to be in the presence of others during this pandemic time.  Holy Communion will be offered at both services.  The wearing of masks is strongly encouraged but is not required.
  2. If you are wondering what the seating arrangements will look like inside Fellowship Hall, please see the attached photo.  You will notice that we have 19 clusters of two chairs.  The Ushers will greet you at the door and adjust the number of chairs needed for you.
  3. Please note, if you are planning on attending the 8:45 AM worship service, you are asked to arrive a few minutes early.  This service will be recorded for our website link so I will be giving Holy Communion instructions at 8:40 before we begin recording.   These procedures are slightly different from what we have done in the past.
  4. The Health Ministry Team met last week and created a policy for cleaning between the worship services.  For those attending the 11:00 AM worship service, the surfaces will be wiped down after the Early Service.
  5. We keep in our thoughts and prayers Phil Cahaly and family upon the death of his brother Edward.
  6. I wanted to inform you that Elaine Rummage is under the care of Hospice at the Rainey Hospice House.  We keep Paul and the family in our prayers during this difficult time.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer