Active Shooter Training Report

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Active Shooter Training Report
On Sunday, February 20, fifty-three of us from the congregation filled the sanctuary for our Active Shooter Training event! Evidently many of us have concerns about the world in which we live. Others of us want to be more informed about how to anticipate and respond to threats to ourselves and to our families. We are grateful to Lieutenant Todd Caron of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department for leading this event, and for our former Safety Team leader, Warren Lutz for encouraging us to host this event, and for our current Safety Team members of the congregation for their continued diligence to keep us safe!

4/2/2022 OperationInAsMuch

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First a bit of background information: In 2009 one hundred and one members of Holy Trinity gathered to participate in the South Carolina Synod’s first Synodical community service blitz day known as “Operation INASMUCH”. Based on Matthew 25:14-46, “Inasmuch as you have done this to one of the least of these you have done it to me”, Operation INASMUCH strives to meet the needs of the least of these in our community through one-day service projects.

Now fast forward to 2022 and Holy Trinity is still participating in Operation INASMUCH, but on a somewhat smaller scale due to COVID concerns. The Service Committee has identified five scaled back projects that meet COVID protocols and will take place on or no later than April 2, 2022. They include:

1. Casseroles for Calvary Home for Children
All items should list the main ingredients on the dish as well as instructions for cooking it. Casseroles should be placed in the Fellowship Hall freezer no later than 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2.

2. Notes of Encouragement for SnackPack Program
We will be writing notes of encouragement to be included in the food/snack packages prepared by the United Way SnackPack Program and distributed weekly to needy elementary school students. Those who sign up will be contacted and given details and supplies to complete the project.

3. United Way’s Middle School Market Program — a collection project
This is a newly created program designed to provide food to needy middle school students. The following items are needed: Peanut butter, Jelly, Cereal, Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Mac and Cheese, Spaghettios, Applesauce and Crackers. Any size or type is acceptable. Donated items should be placed in the appropriate box located in the room off the narthex by April 2.

4. Clean Start — a collection project
Clean Start, a hygiene and resource center for the homeless in our community is in need of the following items: Paper Towels, Paper Plates and Cups (8 oz.), Trash Bags (13 and/or 30 gallon), Shampoo and Soap, Small Deodorants (or spray), Vaseline, Q-tips, Toilet Paper, Disposable Razors, Toothbrushes, ToothPaste, and Mouthwash. Items should be placed in the appropriate box located in the room off the narthex no later than April 2.

5. Congregational Litter Pick-up
Litter Pick-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 with the time to be determined. All necessary supplies will be provided.
Contact Leslie Cox to suggest a roadway you think needs our attention.

Beginning March 6 sign-up sheets for each project will be posted on the table in the room off the narthex. Collection boxes will be labeled and located in the room off the narthex, as well. If you
have any questions, contact Shirley Ebert or Leslie Cox, Service Committee Co-chairs.

02/27/22 Weekly Congregational Email

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

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

 

  1. Last week I shared that Jean Vinson had tested positive for COVID. I am happy to report that, that is not the case, and Bob continues to improve each day.

  2. In case you are wondering exactly how many attended our congregational Active Shooter Training event on Sunday, we had 53!  Thank you to the Safety Team for arranging this event with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.

  3. The March Messenger was mailed out yesterday, on Wednesday, and many of us received our copy in the mail today.

  4. We have several folks who are willing to help work in the Prayer Garden but we are in need of someone to coordinate the care of the plants in this area.  If you are knowledgeable about how to care for these plants –  how to prune, when to prune, etc., please contact Ernie Thoms at volleysc@bellsouth.net or at 864-221-0442, or let me know.

  5. Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday, March 2.  We will be offering two identical worship services with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes – 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m. as we begin an exciting sermon series on, “Journey of Stones.”  As an added COVID precaution, I will be administering the ashes using disposable Q-tips (purple of course) to keep everyone safe.

  6. This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday.  As preparation for the sermon, it would be helpful to read over the First Reading, of Exodus 34:29-35 and the Gospel Reading, of Luke 9:28-36 and contemplate what these two passages have in common.  Other things to ponder:
  1. What do you know about the Ark of the Covenant?

  2. What is its significance with the Hebrew people?

  3. How did the Ark represent God’s presence?

  4. What does the word “transfiguration” mean?

  5. Can you imagine what it must have felt to be in God’s presence on the mountain?

  6. How is God present in your life today?

 

See you Sunday!

Pastor Fischer

2022 LENTEN WORSHIP AND SUPPER SCHEDULE

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2022 LENTEN WORSHIP AND SUPPER SCHEDULE
Sermon Series: “Journey of Stones” Notes:
1) Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will not take place this year.
However, beginning Wednesday, March 9, we will be returning to our evening Lenten meals before worship!
2) Both Ash Wednesday Services will be identical.
Both Maundy Thursday Services will be identical.
Both Good Friday Services will be identical.
Wednesday, March 2
Ash Wednesday Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m. [no meal]
Message: “Written In Stone”
Wednesday, March 9
6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Lutheran Church Youth to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Rejected Stones”
Wednesday, March 16
6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Katie’s Ladies to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Sticks and Stones”
Wednesday, March 23 6:00 p.m.
Lenten Supper [Lutheran Men in Mission to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Hearts of Stone”
Wednesday, March 30 6:00 p.m.
Lenten Supper [Luther’s Ladies to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Upon This Rock”
Wednesday, April 6 6:00 p.m.
Lenten Supper [Congregational Potluck Meal]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “Crying Stones”
Thursday, April 14 – Maundy Thursday [no meal]
Maundy Thursday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Message: “Stones To Bread”
Friday, April 15 – Good Friday [no meal]
Good Friday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Message: “The Final Stone”

Endowment Committee Requests

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Endowment Committee Request
We plan to have an Endowment Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 8th in the Office Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. to distribute 50% of our Endowment Fund earnings to charities that the committee feels would meet our contribution guidelines. If you know of a group or organization you would like for us to consider, please submit their name to me, or one of the committee members, for the committee’s review.
The request should include the name and address of the group, as well as a brief explanation as to why you feel them worthy of our support.
Thank you for your interest in this worthwhile endeavor.

Sincerely, Dave Rasche Endowment Committee Chairman

2/28 LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

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All men of the congregation are invited to attend the in-person LMM meeting on February 28th at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

Our speaker for the evening will be Kylie Herbert, Development Director of the Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County. Alas, this meeting will be held without a meal (but we plan to return to meals at our March 28th meeting).
The meeting will also be held over Zoom for those unable to attend in person. Details are below:
Topic: HTLC LMM Monthly Meeting Time: Feb 28, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on the following link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4601449703?pwd=VmVmbUxKeGJwSzR0MXJuV3Y2d0o1UT09
Meeting ID: 460 144 9703
Passcode: FED3339 Please be certain the Zoom app is installed on your tablet or computer and is up to date prior to the meeting.
The current level for the Zoom application is: Version: 5.9.3 (4239)

Our meeting will be held in 40 minute segments. When a segment expires, the meeting will be restarted with the same information and you can rejoin.

Lenten/Resurrection Tree

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We will once again have the Lenten/Resurrection Tree as part of our Lenten and Easter journey. For many years, this was a joint project for the children and the Youth of the church. This year, we will do this as a family project. Families will gather at 2:00 p.m. on March 6th in Fellowship Hall to create our bugs and butterflies. All supplies will be provided. A sign- up sheet is in the narthex to allow for adequate supplies. Please join us!

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY RESULTS

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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY RESULTS
Thank you to all who participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring last Sunday. The total raised for both Super Bowl teams was: the Rams ($170.50) and the Bengals ($265.50) for a grand total of $436.00. All monies received will be sent to AIM. Thank you for your generosity.

Lenten devotionals

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Lenten devotionals
The Lenten Devotionals, Drawn to the Cross, by Henri J. M. Nouwen are now available for you to pick up in the Narthex. (Please limit one per family).

2/20/22 Weekly Congregatinal Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

Here are this week’s updates:

 

  1. Please correct the email listing of Connor Caldwell in your new Church Directory to:  caldwellconnor@gmail.com

  2. Jean Vinson did return home on Monday of this week.  Unfortunately she and Bob both have tested positive for the Coronavirus but are doing fairly well.

  3. We keep in our prayers Ben Emanuel who has both of his carotid arteries with significant blockages.  He has begun treatment procedures this week and will continue next week as well.

  4. Sunday afternoon is our Active Shooter Training in our sanctuary beginning at 3:00 p.m. sponsored by the Safety Team of our congregation. Training will be conducted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.  Several of you have asked if this event could be videotaped but permission has been denied.  This training is not only how to react to a threat in our sanctuary but out in public as well.  Please come and be informed.

  5. The new Lenten devotionals are ready to be picked up the Narthex.  Please limit yourselves to one copy per household.

  6. In the past our Lenten Tree has been decorated by the children and youth of the congregation but this year, we are inviting all families (and individuals) to be a part of this event. For those interested, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall on March 6 at 2:00 p.m. to create our caterpillars and butterflies.  There is a Sign-Up sheet posted in the narthex.  For more information, please contact Amy Goodson.

  7. Good News!  Our Church Council has decided that we are approaching a time when our COVID numbers are declining in our community and it is safe to return to our “normal way” of worship.  Beginning on Ash Wednesday March 2, we will be returning to the singing of hymns and the full liturgy as well as masks will be OPTIONAL!  For the first time in two years, we will be returning to eating at church functions at our Lenten Wednesday meals, beginning on March 9 (6:00 p.m.)  The full Lenten worship and meal schedule is in your Sunday bulletin and will be in the March Messenger.

  8. Sunday, I will be preaching from the gospel text, Luke 6:27-38, as we hear, probably the most absurd command from our Lord, to love our enemies.  We will explore what that means and what that looks like.

 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Fischer