01/23/22 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Some things of interest to pass along to you this week include:

 

  1. If you have been watching the news at all this week, then you are aware that every residential household in the U.S. can now order, free of charge,  one set of 4 at-home COVID-19 tests from USPS.com.  Simply click on the link:  https://special.usps.com/testkits   and fill out the information.

  2.  Last Thursday I sent each of you a copy of the Church Directory Rough Draft and asked you to let me know if the information for you and your family is correct.  I have heard back from many of you.  If you have not yet notified me of errors or updates, then I take it that your information is correct.  You have until Monday to make changes.

  3. According to the latest weather forecasts, our Sunday worship services will not be affected by snow and ice.  Let’s pray that holds true.

  4. Sunday, I will be preaching on the gospel text, Luke 4:14-21, where Jesus gets up to read scripture in his local synagogue and reads from the prophet, Isaiah.  This story follows immediately upon his baptism and trip to the wilderness to go head-to-head with the devil.  We will be focusing on the mesmerizing words of Jesus as he sits down and gives a commentary on what he has just read.  We have heard these words all our life but have we really stopped to think about what Jesus is saying?  Those in the synagogue audience were the very first ones to hear the mission and purpose of Jesus’ life.  We will take a look at what these words still mean to us today.

  5. I have not worshipped with most of you this year yet.  The first Sunday, I was on vacation.  The second Sunday of the year, I was out sick.  And last Sunday . . . we moved our worship to Saturday due to the snow and ice.  With the weather and short notice, only 20 of us were able to gather together.  I am looking forward to seeing and worshipping with you Sunday.  I have missed you!

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

Youth Sunday School Series

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CALLING ALL SUPER HEROES – SIXTH GRADE THROUGH SENIOR YEAR!!!
We are about to investigate the Bible searching for proof Spider Man has nothing on people like David, Samson, and even … Jesus?
Come and join us, beginning today, January 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. and help us with our in-depth investigation of God’s POWER in action and what it means for us personally. Forty-five minutes isn’t long, so we’ll need all of OUR superpowers to make great discoveries! It will take all of us…so BE THERE, please!!! Can’t wait!!!
Note: In order to allow us to spreadout and have more space, we will gather in the Pairs and Spares Room during this time of COVID.

01/16/2022 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of the Congregation,

 

A couple of things to pass along to you this week include:

 

  1. If you have been watching the weather forecast, there is a pretty good chance that a wintry mix will land on Sunday morning.  Amy Goodson, as Congregational President, and I will confer with each other, if needed, to decide if the worship services will be cancelled due to the weather.  A reminder that if that is the case, we will put into place the Call List where each member of the Church Council has specific people to contact in the congregation to relay a message.

  2. As announced this past Sunday in worship, despite having all 3 Pfizer vaccines, I tested positive for COVID last Friday.  I was absolutely sure I had a sinus infection and was floored to learn otherwise.  I am over all my symptoms (headache, chest congestion, sore throat) except a lingering cough that will not go away.  I returned to the office yesterday, wearing a mask, and keeping my distance.  We are very grateful as a congregation to have Amy Goodson lead both worship services this past Sunday, and deliver my sermon.

  3. The bulletin for this coming Sunday, that was sent out earlier today, has an error in it.  The minister is listed as Pastor Booher. That is not correct.   I am planning to be in attendance, weather permitting. I will be preaching on the gospel text, John 2:`1-11, as we explore what it means for us today to have our Lord chose his first miracle to be of changing water into wine at a wedding.

  4. This past Monday evening the church council, as part of its monthly meeting, revisited the COVID situation in Anderson and the safety of the congregation.  It should come as no surprise that the decision was made to return to omitting the singing of hymns and liturgical responses at all worship services and return to the wearing of face masks.  All meetings – LMM, Sunday School classes, confirmation classes, can continue to gather with the wearing of masks strongly encouraged and meals still not being served.

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

1/9/22 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

On this day of Epiphany, January 6, here are a couple of updates to pass along to you:

 

  • If you served as a Committee Chair in 2021, you are to submit a yearly report to Pat.  She will be working on these again on Monday so please make every effort to turn these in by Monday morning.

  • As a follow up to the notice I sent you earlier today concerning Bob Long’s death, there will be a private memorial service held in our sanctuary for the family at a later date.

  • Pat and I are very close to completing the new Church Directory for 2022.  I hope to send you a copy next week, via email, for you to proof, before we print.

  • Sunday is the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday.  I will be preaching on the gospel text from Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 and the connection we have between our baptism and prayer.   

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

12/26/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Here are a few things going on in our congregation right now:

 

Of those who have indicated their worship preference for the Christmas Eve worship services, the projected attendance numbers are:

11:00 a.m. The ABC’s of Christmas Service – 40

3:00 p.m. The ABC’s of Christmas Service – 52

8:00 p.m. The Liturgical Service – 58

11:00 p.m. The Liturgical Service – 40


On Sunday morning, December 26, you are invited to continue your Christmas celebrations by attending our “Musical Celebration of the Christ Child” at both of our worship services (8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.).

On Sunday, we WILL have our Adult Sunday School class in Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m.

After a little over a month in the hospital, Bob Long was moved yesterday to NHC, in room 407B, where he will receive physical rehabilitation.

We keep in our prayers Steven Goodson who underwent surgery on his back earlier this morning and has returned home.

 

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Fischer

12/19/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Here are this week’s updates in the congregation:

 

  1. The 2022 offering envelopes are ready to be picked up in the room off the narthex.  A coin has been attached to every offering envelope box featuring an image of the front of the church and of the altar.  We are very grateful to Claude Calloway for this gift.  Note: We are waiting for a 2nd shipment of coins to arrive.  If your box does not have a coin, more are coming soon.

  2. Check out the church website Facebook page, near the bottom, to see images of our recent Trick-Or-Treat-So-Others-May-Eat food drive and our Congregational Wreath making event.

  3. The deadline to place a poinsettia in the sanctuary for our Christmas Eve worship services, In Memory Of someone, or In Honor of someone, is Monday, December 20.  Please see your bulletin for more information or call Pat in the office Monday morning.

  4. I am happy to report that the Church Council made the decision at its meeting Monday night, that beginning Christmas Eve, we will return to the singing of all hymns and liturgical worship parts of the services!

  5. The Church Council is in the process of polling each household of the congregation to determine which, if any, Christmas Eve worship service you and your family will be attending to spread out our numbers.   If you do not receive a call by Sunday, please let me know by email, phone call or text as I am the one tallying the attendance numbers.

  6. On Sunday, December 26, we will continue to celebrate the Christmas season, with “A Musical Celebration of the Christ Child” at both of our worship services that day.  This will be a service of Lessons and Carols with special music.  Make sure to invite and bring your family members for this occasion.

  7. Sunday, I will be preaching on our Old Testament lesson, Micah 5:2-5a, as we take another look at the significance of Bethlehem in the birth story.

  8. We continue to keep in our prayers, Bob Long, who continues his stay at AnMed.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

12/12/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

Some things of interest to pass along to you:

1) All the gift tags from the Angel Tree have been taken. Thank you!!! Now we need all of them to return with the gifts attached by Wednesday, December 15. To date, of the 50 gift tags picked up, 28 Christmas gifts have been dropped off in the Church Office Parlor. We do not want any of these children to be left out so please make sure and drop off all gifts by the deadline.

2) The Church Council will begin polling the congregation tomorrow, using the Congregational Call List, to determine which Christmas Eve service you and your family will be attending (if you are), to help spread out our attendance numbers. I am receiving reports from many of you that you have received your December Messenger yesterday or today. Please look inside to read all the details of the four Christmas Eve Services to help you determine which service you will be attending.

3) This coming Sunday, our Congregational Christmas Pageant will take place during both of our worship services.

4) Barbara Thomas is now home, following her knee replacement surgery.

In Christ,
Pastor Fischer

12/5/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

This week’s things to share with you include:

  1. The December Messenger was mailed out Tuesday. Hopefully, your copy will arrive soon.

  2. We keep in our prayers Barbara Thomas who underwent knee replacement surgery on Tuesday.  She is expected to be moved to AnMed Rehab either today or tomorrow.

  3. The Angel Tree is now covered with tags, ready for you to stop by and pick up.  Please make sure to follow the instructions in the bulletin and newsletter.  The gifts are to be placed, unwrapped, with the tag attached, in the Church Office parlor by December 15.  You can use the door code to let yourself in.  The Parlor is located in the office, between Pat’s room and the Office Conference Room, with the fireplace.

  4. Several of you have asked if there will be a Memorial Service for Anita Brady.  The family has not requested a service.

  5. We are looking for one more person to fill a unique volunteer position in the church.  Responsibilities would include:  1) Refilling the sanctuary lamp (Eternal Candle which hangs from the ceiling) once a week, for a month.  This would be on a 3-month rotation;  2) Inspecting the fire extinguishers once a month on a 3-month rotation.   We currently have two volunteers serving in this capacity but need one more.  As I said, this is a unique need.

  6. Sunday I will be preaching on the Gospel reading, Luke 3:1-6 as we focus on John the Baptist and his call for us to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

Angel Tree

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Angel Tree
WE NOW HAVE THE TAGS ON THE TREE!!!!!!

1. Pick a tag off the “Angel Tree” in the Narthex and go shopping.

2. Please do not wrap gifts.

3. Leave gift, with tag attached, in the church office parlor (use door code).

4. Gifts should be returned NO LATER than, Wednesday, December 15th,
after which, you will be responsible for delivering your gifts to A.I.M.

5. 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. If you have any questions on any of this, please
contact Roz Eckardt

Christmas Eve Services

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WORSHIP SERVICES – DECEMBER 24TH

In order to spread out our attendance numbers and to help keep everyone safe, we are again offering four Christmas Eve worship services this year just like we did last year. Worship space for three of those services should not be an issue, but we are asking those who normally attend the 11:00 p.m. service to consider attending the 8:00 p.m. service, as these two services will be identical. Then, two weeks before Christmas, the church council will be using the Congregational Call List to contact each family to tally worship preferences. The social distancing practices we use for each Sunday morning will also be followed for our Christmas Eve services. As an option, one of each type of the worship services will be recorded and placed on the church website. Below is the information you will need to help you and your family make your worship decisions.

Family Oriented Worship Services 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
 We will be using the ABC’s of Christmas service as we used last year.
 Families/individuals “participate” in the message.
 Holy Communion will be offered.
 There will be no nursery provided.
 One of these two worship services will be recorded and placed on the church website.

Traditional Liturgical Worship Services 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM
 We will be using the liturgy similar to what we use on Sunday mornings.
 Holy Communion will be offered.
 Candle lighting participation will be offered.
 There will be no nursery provided.
 One of these two worship services will be recorded and placed on the church website.