2/23/25 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Congregational Members and Friends,

 

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

 

  • I am saddened to inform you of the death of Matt Vinson earlier this afternoon at AnMed.  We keep his wife, Delta, in our thoughts and prayers, as well as his parents, Bob and Jean Vinson, and the rest of the family. Sullivan King Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.  “Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Robert Matthew Vinson.  Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.  Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.”   – Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 283 
  • Others we keep in our prayers include:
    • John Trent – who had surgery on Wednesday to replace a pacemaker
    • Jean Vinson – who returned to The Garden House on Monday under the care of Hospice
  • We are now taking orders for a new T-shirt design for the congregation!  Order forms are in the bulletin and will be in March’s newsletter as well.  Samples of the shirt are in the narthex.  March 16 is the deadline to place an order.
  • We are now accepting breakfast donations for Hope Missions of the Upstate.  We did this last year and had a fabulous response.  A list of needed items is in your bulletin.  The deadline to drop off items is Sunday, March 9th.    There is a bin in the room off the narthex to receive your breakfast items.  
  • Saturday, the Service Committee is sponsoring an event to make note cards of encouragement for the SnackPack program.  If you are interested in being a part of this outreach ministry to the kids in the Anderson school area,  this will take place from 10:00-11:00 AM in the Office Conference Room.  Or you can make cards on your own at home.  All supplies will be provided as well as sample cards.  Contact Jamie Corrigan or Leslie Cox for all the details.
  • Saturday, we are hosting a new monthly gathering for those interested in getting together to work on hobbies (scrapbooking, cross stitching, knitting,  crocheting, etc.) in Fellowship Hall.  A time will be set aside, as well as tables and you would bring your craft to work on. If interested, you can call Beth Fischer for more information at 864-933-7446.
  • The Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake tickets will be available on Sunday morning, or if you prefer, you can stop by the office and see Pat for the tickets.  They are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  If you would like to write a check, make it out to Holy Trinity and put “Pancake Tickets” in the memo.  The money raised will be divided between KIND Ministries and Mental Health America of Anderson County.
  • Sunday, I will be preaching on what is considered to be the most difficult command of our Lord, and that is for us to love our enemies.  In preparation for our message, I strongly encourage you to read the story of Joseph in Genesis, chapters 37-50 (our bulletin text only covers Genesis 45:3-11, 15). It is an easy and interesting read.  (Our Gospel reading, Luke 6:27-38, and our Psalm (Psalm 37) all tie into this theme as well.)
  • The men of the congregation are invited to gather on Monday evening for their monthly supper meeting.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

 

2/16/25 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:

 

  • I am happy to report that the response to last Sunday’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” was the largest amount ever given by the congregation.  Thank you for generously giving $761.00.  In case you are wondering, the Eagles received $545.00 and the Chiefs received $216.00 but the real winners will be AIM, who will receive all donations.
  • We now have the Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake tickets.  They will be available on Sunday morning, or if you prefer, you can stop by the office new week and see Pat as well for the tickets.  They are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  If you would like to write a check, make it out to Holy Trinity and put “Pancake Tickets” in the memo.  The money raised will be divided between KIND Ministries and Mental Health America of Anderson, County.
  • The new Lenten devotional, “Savior Servant Friend” by A. Trevor Sutton, will be available beginning Sunday.  Please limit the copies to one per household.
  • Sunday, I will be preaching on our Old Testament reading, Jeremiah 17:5-10, as we compare the two different kinds of plants mentioned by the prophet.
  • Sandi Jordan will soon be doing a deep-cleaning on the Fellowship Hall kitchen.  If you are willing to help, please contact her at: 864-940-6334.
  • Please update your new church directory with Patrick and Lauren Sayers’ phone numbers.  Somehow, we listed the wrong info.  Lauren’s cell is: 215-589-9647.  Patrick’s cell is: 585-957-0970.
  • The Luther’s Ladies Circle will gather next Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for their monthly meeting.
  • The Service Committee is sponsoring an event to make note cards of encouragement for the SnackPack program.  If you are interested in being a part of this outreach ministry to the kids in the Anderson school area,  this will take place next Saturday, February 22, from 10:00-11:00 AM in the Office Conference Room.  Or you can make cards on your own at home.  All supplies will be provided as well as sample cards.  See your newsletter or bulletin for all the details.
  • Saturday of next week, my wife, Beth, will begin a monthly gathering for those interested in getting together to work on hobbies (scrapbooking, cross stitching, knitting,  crocheting, etc.) in Fellowship Hall.  A time will be set aside, as well as tables and you would bring your craft to work on. If interested, you can call her for more information at 864-933-7446.
  • We keep in our prayers:
    • Sharon Christmas – surgery
    • Jean Vinson – gall bladder surgery

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

 

2/9/25 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:

 

  • Our Semi-Annual Congregational meeting will take place Sunday, between the two worship services, beginning promptly at 9:50 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. We will gather to hear some of the accomplishments of our work together in the Lord in 2024. A light breakfast will be provided by the Fellowship Committee.
  • There will be no Sunday School classes this Sunday so that all may attend our meeting.
  • Every year, on the day of the Super Bowl, our congregation participates in the Souper Bowl of Caring.  This national event started right here in South Carolina in 1990 at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church.  Since then, each organization (church, business, school) collects donations and then gives it to a charity of own’s choosing.  The money that we collecty after worship, will go to AIM in their work in our community.
  • Sunday is also Red Dress Sunday, a time when we as a congregation raise heart disease awareness.
  • All three scripture readings for Sunday have the common theme of being humbled and unworthy.  Isaiah 6:1-8 tells us a bit of Isaiah’s failure.  First Corinthians 15:1-11 tells us about Paul being humbled.  In Luke 5:1-11, we hear of the failure of Peter and the other disciples being unable to catch any fish.  My sermon title for Sunday is:  “Worthy or Unworthy?”
  • On Wednesday of next week, our next Family Fun Night will take place, as we cover Commandment #2.   Supper will be provided.
  • In case you are wondering when the Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper tickets will be available, they should be ready to purchase on Sunday, February 16.  Boulevard Baptist Church is in charge of the tickets and we will have them ready for you, just as soon as they are printed.
  • We keep in our thoughts and prayers, Cathey Sale, and family, upon the recent death of her mother, Betty Newsome.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

2/2/25 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Here are this week’s updates:

 

  • The February issue of The Messenger was mailed out to you yesterday, Wednesday.
  • The 2025 Yearbook has been printed and your household’s copy is ready to be picked up in the narthex.  They will be passed out on Sunday, unless you would like to stop by the church and get your copy at your convenience.  I remind you that the Yearbook is really two booklets in one.  In the front is the new Church Directory and in the back is a wealth of information: all the reports from each committee, all the financials, worship assignments, flower chart, tabulator and usher schedules, etc.  Please begin to read the committee reports in preparation for our Congregational Meeting.
  • Our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 9, at 9:50 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  A light breakfast will be provided by the Fellowship Committee.
  • This coming Sunday will be The Presentation of Our Lord Sunday, based on our gospel reading, Luke 2:22-40, when Jesus is presented in the Temple to God by Joseph and Mary.  I will be preaching on this text.  In preparation for the message, be thinking of things/times you long for.
  • This past Sunday we had 21 in our Adult Sunday School class.  Our lesson plan is based on the gospel for that day, and is often on the topic I will be preaching on.  Coffee and cake are provided as an added incentive.   Come join us in Fellowship Hall!  Our classes begin at 10:00 a.m. and run for 45 minutes.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

 

1/26/25 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:

 

  • The Statements of Giving for 2024 are in the room off the narthex, if you have not already picked your up yet.  Many of you will need these for tax purposes.
  • Congratulations are in order for Amy Compton and Brian Kelly who were recently joined in Holy Matrimony!  We pray God’s blessings upon this couple in their new life together.
  • Today is the last day to make any changes to the 2025 rough draft I sent you last week of the Church Directory.  Many of you have responded as I requested.  Thank you!  After making all the changes, I am planning to send out the final version to you next week. 
  • The men of the congregation are invited to Monday’s monthly gathering of the Lutheran Men in Mission.   The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
  • While you are marking your calendars, our next Semi-Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday morning, February 9, during the Sunday School hour.  We will begin promptly at 9:50 a.m. as we hear of God’s accomplishments among our various committees and ministries.  A light breakfast will be provided. 
  • This Sunday, I will be preaching on our gospel reading, Luke 4:14-21 as we hear of the reaction of Jesus upon reading the words of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue. 
    • What is your reaction to the words of Jesus?
    • Is it good news to you?
    • Why, or why not?

 

 

See you Sunday in worship,

Pastor Fischer

 

   

 

1/19/25 Weekly Congregational Update

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Subject: Weekly Congregational Updates

 

Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

 

Here are this week’s updates:

 

  • You may recall that January 6 is Epiphany, and every Sunday after that (for a while) is in the season of Epiphany.  This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.  The word “epiphany” means “a revealing” so every week we will hear a gospel story of God revealing a little bit more to us of His Son, Jesus.  Last week we had the story of the baptism of Jesus and had God say, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”  Sunday, we will take a look at the first miracle of Jesus changing water into wine.
  • But have you ever wondered why John chose to use this story to begin the story of Jesus? 
  • Was it to show to us that Jesus enjoyed life like us and attended weddings?
  • Was it to show the compassion of Jesus as he rescued the bride and groom from embarrassment?
  • Sunday’s gospel text is, John 2:1-11, and I encourage you to read this story over several times before Sunday and really think about this miracle, and the importance to us.
  • As you will hear in my sermon Sunday, I will propose another possibility on the motive of Jesus to perform this miracle.
  • In other news, please make sure and look over the church directory I sent you earlier today and let me know if your information is correct.

 

I am looking for to seeing and worshipping with you on Sunday!

 

Pastor Fischer

1/12/25 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:

 

  • I am sure the first thing you want to know is whether we will have church services Sunday, with the impending weather to come upon us.  My answer is of course, “God only knows.”  Beth Cribbe, the Congregational President, and I will be conferring with each other on Saturday, watching the weather reports and if we decide to cancel Sunday services, we will activate the Congregational Call List. The big question is how will the roads be on Sunday morning after a very hard freeze Saturday night?  Stay tuned.
  • This coming Sunday is the Baptism of our Lord Sunday, a time when we focus on the meaning of Jesus being baptized and what that means for us.  I will be preaching on the gospel text, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.  At the Late Service, we will be baptizing Lilian Ruth Bannister! 
  • Thank you for the tremendous response to filling the volunteer position in delivering the canned goods to Good Neighbor Cupboard.  Quite a few of you offered to help out.  Beginning in February, Jim and Leslie Trant will be assuming this responsibility.
  • We keep in our prayers:
    • Paul Wagner – upon his recent hip replacement surgery.
    • Drake Dial – upon his recent ear surgery.
  • We still have the following dates open to provide flowers on the altar for 2025.  If you are interested in any of these, please send me a reply with the information:
    • February 2
    • February 9
    • February 16
    • August 10
    • August 17
    • September 7
    • November 23

 

Enjoy the snow, stay warm and safe.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

1/5/25 Weekly Congregational Upate

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

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

 

  • We are looking for someone in the congregation who is willing to take the food items donated to Good Neighbor Cupboard. This would involve one trip, every other month.  If you are interested in fighting hunger in the Anderson area in this way, or if you have a question, please let me know.
  • While most of the world already has Christmas packed away until next year, not the Church.  This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Christmas on the church calendar, which means we are still in the season of Christmas and will be singing Christmas hymns one last time.
  • With Holy Communion taking place Sunday, I remind you that our Canticle of Praise is very fitting for this time of the year, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.”  Luke 2:14, records the shepherds in the fields encountering the news of the angelic hosts.
  • Sunday, I will be preaching on the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah (31:7-14) as we explore what it means to be “home.”  Questions to ponder:
    • What does “home” mean to you?
    • What qualities of “being home” are special to you?
    • I often hear members of our congregation make the comment, “The first time I entered the sanctuary of Holy Trinity, it just felt like home.”  Would you agree with this statement?
    • God is always concerned about brining His people “home.”  What does that mean to you?
  • Our next Family Fun Night will take place on Wednesday of next week, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  We will be looking at the first commandment to have no other gods but God Almighty.
  • We keep Shelley Carroll in our thoughts and prayers as she recovers from surgery earlier this week.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

Angel Tree 2024

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Angel Tree
1. All tags have been taken. Thanks!!  Please do not wrap gifts.
2. Leave gift, with tag attached, in the church office parlor (use door code).
3. Gifts should be returned NO LATER than, Wednesday, December 4th, after which, you will be responsible for delivering your gifts to A.I.M.
4. In addition to selecting names from the Angel Tree in-person like we usually do, you also have the option of making a donation and someone from WELCA will do the shopping for you. If you would rather participate in this way, just make a check out to “Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church” and put “Angel Tree” in the Memo and drop it the offering plate or mail it to the church office. If you have any questions on any of this, please contact Nancy Scalf or Beth Fischer.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Mid-Week Advent Meals – 6:00 p.m.
December 4 Luther’s Ladies – host Meal Group A-Beth Fischer
December 11 Luther’s Ladies – host Meal Group B- Beth Cribbe
December 18 The Lutheran Church Youth – host

Worship follows at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6 “Witness to Christmas – Mary”
Wednesday, December 13 “Witness to Christmas – Joseph”
Wednesday, December 20 “Witness to Christmas – The Angels”

The Mid-Week offerings received will be donated to the SC Synod Disaster Relief Fund.

CHRISTMAS EVE
WORSHIP SERVICES – December 24th
Worship Service w/Communion Lessons and Carols – 4:00 p.m.
.
Christmas Eve Liturgical Worship Service w/Communion – 11:00 p.m.
Note: There will be candle lighting at both services.

December 29th
One – Combined Worship – 10:00 a.m.
No Sunday School or Potluck Meal.

Mark your calendars:
Youth Christmas Party – December 13th – Goodson Farm at 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Pageant – December 15 – During the 11:00 a.m. service.
Choir Party – December 19 – Helgeson’s Home at 6:30 p.m.
Congregational Chili and Caroling – December 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Services – 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.