Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Here are a few updates to pass along to you concerning the congregation:

• This past Sunday saw our highest attendance yet in Fellowship Hall with 65 (37 Early and 28 Late).

• On Monday of this week the Church Council met via Zoom and approved the return to in-person worship in the sanctuary beginning on Sunday, September 6.  The measures we have been taking in Fellowship Hall worship to combat COVID-19 will continue to be implemented in the sanctuary.  More details will be forthcoming as we complete the planning of Holy Communion distribution, ushering, seating, the recording of the service, etc.  Council also approved the return to celebrate Holy Communion twice a month, beginning in September, on the first and third Sundays of each month.

• This coming Sunday, I will be preaching on the gospel text, Matthew 15:10-28, specifically 21-28.  I encourage you to read over this text and use it as a devotion in preparation for Sunday’s sermon.
  Some things to ponder:
  • Why does Jesus commend this woman for her faith?
  • There is only one other person in the New Testament whom Jesus speaks so highly of.  Who is it?
  • What makes her different from anyone else?
  • What does it mean for Jesus to refer to her as “a dog”?
  • This story is a turning point in the life of Jesus’ ministry, concerning his target audience.  Why?

For those I do not get to see that often anymore, due to COVID-19, please know that I miss you and love you.  For the others, I will see you on Sunday.

Pastor Fischer