05/23/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Here are some things to pass along to you this week:

  1. Sunday, we look forward to receiving Lauren Guthre, as a new member of our congregation, at the Early Service.

  2. This coming Sunday, May 23, is Pentecost Sunday.  You are encouraged to wear the color red for this festive day.  Also, we will be celebrating Holy Communion for this occasion.

  3. I will be preaching on our First Reading, Acts 2:1-21, which can be a challenging text to pronounce for our lay readers with all the nations mentioned. Try it.  Our sermon message will look at how God’s Holy Spirit comes to His people in mighty ways, then and now.

  4. The C.D.C.’s recent decision to allow vaccinated people to stop wearing masks caught most of our nation off guard.  It is welcome news but exactly what does this mean for us in our everyday events, especially in the church?  The Church Council met this past Monday to grapple with this question.  The following items were approved at their meeting:

  

Effective, beginning on Sunday, June 6, 2021,

  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will follow CDC recommendations for discontinuation of mask wearing for vaccinated individuals, but continue use of masks and encouragement of vaccinations for those not yet vaccinated.

  • Vaccinated persons may continue to wear masks should this be their preference.

  • All other previously implemented COVID precautions (Communion on the floor level, social distancing, cleaning, etc.) will remain in effect.

  • The above changes may be revoked at any time should the numbers of COVID cases begin to rise again.

 

  1. What does this mean?  Starting with our worship services in June, you do not have to wear a mask at worship, unless you so choose.

 

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday, as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday,

Pastor Fischer

 

 

COVID procedures, BEGINNING May 16

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The Church Council recently approved the following changes concerning our COVID procedures, BEGINNING May 16:

1. Return to congregational singing (while masked & distanced) of all parts of the worship service with the exception of full hymns.

2. Allow church affiliated groups (LMM, WELCA, etc.) to host meals during their meetings provided they follow HTLC’s Guidelines.
a. Limited people in kitchen to prepare meals
b. No self-serve, buffet style meals
c. Must have dedicated servers donning gloves & masks
d. Must use disposable plates, cups, utensils, etc.
e. Must maintain social distancing of 6” while dining

3. Allow non-church affiliated groups (Kiwanis, etc.) to use HTLC facilities/Fellowship Hall for their meetings provided they follow HTLC’s Guidelines.

4. Allow attendance at funeral service beyond family members, up to capacity of 60 people. No visitation prior to the funeral service will be allowed in the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall.

5/16/21 Congregational Weekly Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Several updates to pass along to you:

  • This just in:  Congratulations go out to Rachel and Christopher Caldwell on the birth of a baby girl this afternoon!  Abigail Frances Caldwell entered this world at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 inches long.  We also celebrate with new grandparents, Chris and Anna Caldwell, great-grandfather, Bill Christmas, proud uncle Connor Caldwell, great-uncle and great-aunt Andy and Sharon Christmas, and second cousin Bill Christmas .

  • A key-less lock, similar to our other door locks, was installed this afternoon on the Sacristy entrance door.  In case you are wondering, this is the door that welcomes the ramp entrance of the church.  The code for this door is the same as all our other programmable locks.  In the event the front door lock fails to work at any time, you now have an option to enter the sanctuary.

  • Contrary to what is listed in Sunday’s email bulletin under the Calendar For This Week section, we DO have worship at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday (the 8:45 a.m. service is listed but the 11:00 a.m. service was accidentally omitted.)

  • At our meeting this past Monday evening, the Church Council decided that beginning this Sunday, May 16, we will be returning to singing all parts of the liturgy, with the exception of full hymns.  Also, all church affiliated groups (LMM, WELCA, etc.) and non-church affiliated groups that use our facilities (Kiwanis, etc.) are permitted to host meals in our Fellowship Hall, as long as they follow our revised COVID Guidelines concerning the handling of food:
    • Limited number of cooks in the kitchen.
    • Meals may not be self-serve, buffet style.
    • Use dedicated servers.
    • Use disposable plates, cups, utensils.
    • Continue maintaining 6 feet while dining.

  • Speaking of Sunday’s worship services, even though Governor McMaster has lifted the wearing of masks in our state schools, and I am reading over the internet, as I write these words that the C.D.C. has now lifted the wearing of masks in most public places, we will be wearing masks in worship this Sunday.  The Church Council will have a Called Council meeting on Monday evening (via Zoom) to discuss this latest development and whether this decision may impact the safety of our congregation as we move forward to whatever may be our next phrase of changes to our worship.

  • I am aware that the shortage of gas situation has caused challenges for many.  Hopefully you have enough fuel to do the things you must do this week.  But if you find yourself a little short and unable to attend Sunday worship, don’t forget you always have the opportunity to join us for worship via the internet.

  • Sunday, I will be preaching on our First Reading from Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 as we explore the theme, “Making Good Decisions.”  Some thoughts to ponder:
    • How did Judas Iscariot die?  Are you sure?
    • Check out Matthew 27:1-10 and Acts 1:18 to hear the two accounts of his death.
    • Who took the place of Judas as one of the 12 apostles?
    • How was he chosen?
    • What does this methodology say to the way we make decisions on important matters in our life?
    • We will explore the biblical “P-A-T” method for making decisions.

 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Fischer

5/9/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

 

Some things to pass along to you for this week:

 

  • If it seemed that many were in attendance this past week for Youth Sunday, that is because we had 61 at the Early Service and 51 at the Late Service for a total of 112!  That is the largest Sunday total attendance yet, since COVID started.
  • We are very grateful to Amy Goodson, serving as our Youth Leader, and all the dedicated youth for leading our service this past week.  They did an excellent job!

  • With this coming Sunday being Mother’s Day, we look forward to having Jonathan Dickson playing his saxophone as part of the Prelude at both services this week.

  • I will be preaching on the gospel lesson, John 15:9-17 and the topic of, “Commanded To Love.”  Who would think that we would need to be told to love each other?  And yet Jesus does exactly that in these scripture verses.

  • Even though all Sunday School classes have been given the green light to restart in-person classes, the only class that is currently meeting is the adult Martin Luther Sunday School class.   We are using the ELCA material Daily Discipleship, which we have been using for the last number of years.  This material is based on each Sunday’s Gospel reading and includes a Bible lesson as well as practical implications. We have moved our class to Fellowship Hall to allow us to spread out.  .  Even though the start time is 9:45 a.m. we typically begin at 10:00 a.m.  If you usually are an attendee of the Early Service, then you are introduced to the theme during the worship service and then have the opportunity to engage in related discussion.  If you are usually an attendee of the Late Service, then you will be introduced to the theme in Sunday School and usually hear a related sermon during the worship service. You are invited to join us each Sunday.  I would love to have you come to our class.

  • As expected, Dave Rasche was discharged from the AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital last Friday and returned home, where he continues to gather strength following his stoke.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

Mothers day donations

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MOTHER’S DAY is Sunday, May 9th. A special offering, sponsored by WELCA, was received and then given to deserving female students at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. If you would like to make a donation In Memory Of or In Honor Of your mother, please fill out the form below. The names will be listed in the bulletin on Mother’s Day. Deadline is May 3rd.

 

Here is a list of Donors  

IN MEMORY OF
*In Memory of Corrine Sandwick, given by Robin Sandwick.
*In Memory of Mamye Morris & Beth McDowell, given by Terry & Beth Cribbe.
*In Memory of Ayleen Jordan, Alice Smith, Zefla Sidebottom, given by Kati Smith and Family.
*In Memory of Donna Grace Hannahs and Stella Ruth Rasche, given by Dave and Sue Rasche.
*In Memory of Irene Mollgaard and Hanna Schwartz, given by Tony and Christa Mollgaard.
*In Memory of Frances H. Christmas and Nettie J. Smith Christmas, Fannie Hudson, given by Bill Christmas.
*In Memory of Leona Lutz and Mary Radel, given by Warren and Bonnie Lutz.
*In Memory of Mabel Ardell Hidlebaugh and Fern Allen, given by Robert Allen and Vicki Allen.
*In Memory of Dianne C. Calloway, given by her daughter Shelley Carroll.
*In Memory of Dianne C. Calloway, given by Shelley Carroll, Amanda Price, Grant Armstrong, Rylee Carroll.
*In Memory of Dorothy Cox and Carolyne Wooddy, given by Mike & Leslie Cox.
*In Memory of Doris Richardson, given by Diane Richardson.
*In Memory of Alice Laurine Cooley & June Marie Cain, given by Dave & Nancy Korn.
*In Memory of Lottie Dyar and Mary Hall, given by Allan & Jeri Cole.
*In Memory of Marie Heape and Maude Hunnicutt, given by Dan & Johnnie Hunnicutt.
*In Memory of Allie Mae Cromer and Kaye Helgeson, given by Bruce & Jill Helgeson.
*In Memory of Marion Cannon, given by Gail Cannon.
*In Memory of Edith Brackney and Gretel Thoms, given by Ernie & Jeanette Thoms.

IN HONOR OF
*In Honor of their mothers, Hervie Thomas and June Fischer, by Beth and Pastor Fischer.
*In Honor of and to the Glory of God, given by Ernie & Jeanette Thoms.

 

5/23 SAFETY TEAM MEETING

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SAFETY TEAM MEETING
The Safety Team will gather on Sunday, May 23, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

5/24 LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION In–person Meeting

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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION In–person Meeting May 24th In Fellowship Hall. No supper provided. This meeting will also be held via Zoom. 6:30 p.m

Congratulations to our 2021 graduates

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Kathleen Montgomery Dial will be graduating, magna cum laude, from Anderson Christian School. She is a Palmetto Fellow and a member of the National Honor Society. Kathleen is a Presidential Scholar. She will attend the University of Oklahoma where she plans on majoring in Accounting. Kathleen received the Academic Achievement Award from OU which is a merit-based scholarship.

Katherine Elizabeth Fischer will be graduating from T. L. Hanna High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club. Katie plans to attend Tri-County Technical College in the fall to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.

Bree Makenzie Plesko is graduating from Crescent High school in Iva. She is a member of the National Beta Club and is a forward for the Crescent Tiger’s girl soccer team. Bree plans to attend Coastal Carolina University in the fall. She is receiving the Teal Scholarship from CCU.

Ellie Elizabeth Smith, will be graduating from T. L. Hanna High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and will be attending Clemson University in the fall to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences.

Bowen Gabriel Strang, will be graduating from T. L. Hanna High School. Bowen plans to attend Tri-County Technical College in the fall. He will be taking general transfer classes for two years and then will transfer to a four year college program.

05/02/21 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

Here are some of the things that are happening in our congregation:

 

  • Tony and Christa Mollgaard are closing on their house today.  There new address will be:   530 Windstone Drive, Unit 310, Hartland, WI  53029.  Our prayers surround them during this time of transition.

  • Congratulations go out to Cam Weeks, grandson of Tom and Kathy Weeks, who was recently named the Male Athlete of the Year at Anderson University. Cam is completing his Freshman year at AU.  He is a face-off specialist on the lacrosse team. He led the conference in two statistical categories and also led the nation in one category. He was also named Freshman of the Year in the SAC conference and was named to the All-Conference first team.

  • Again, today and tomorrow, AnMed will be administering COVID vaccines (Pfizer) at the Civic Center for those 16 years of age and older.  Today the hours are 7:30 a.m. -6:00 p.m. and Friday the hours will be 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • The May edition of the Messenger will be mailed out later today.

  • This Sunday, May 2, will be Youth Sunday, when the youth of our congregation will be conducting both worship services.  Holy Communion will be celebrated and I will be conducting those parts of the liturgy.
  • As part of each worship service, we will be doing the rite of the Blessing of the Gradates, and recognizing our five high school seniors:  Kathleen Dial, Katie Fischer, Bree Plesko, Ellie Smith, and Bowen Strang.   These five will be delivering our sermon message on Sunday, with the theme: “2020, What A Year!” as they share how COVID has affected their senior year and how their faith in the Lord has helped them through these difficult times.

  • Beginning this Sunday, we will return to singing the Kyrie and the Psalm responsively.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

 

04/25/21 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Congregational Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

This time of the year there is a lot going on in the congregation that you may find to be newsworthy. 

 

  1. I received word from Amy Goodson, that AnMed will be accepting walk-ins to the vaccine clinic today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) at the Civic Center for all who are 16 years of age and older.  No appointment is required.  If you know of someone who may benefit from this information, please share it with them.
  2. Dave Rasche’s stay at the AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital has been extended until Friday, April 30.
  3. My sermon message this past Sunday generated quite a few related stories from many of you.  You will recall I preached on the topic of the scars of Jesus’ hands and feet.  I began my message about a little boy whose mother questioned whether he had washed his hands before eating supper.  After being told to go and wash his hands after his father had given the meal blessing, the little boy’s response was, “Jesus and germs!  Jesus and germs!  That is all I hear around here, Jesus and germs!”  On Monday morning, one of our members brought me a wash towel to share with my family with the following words printed on it: “Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere.”
  4. Youth Sunday will not be April 25.  Instead, we have moved Youth Sunday to May 2.
  5. Sunday will be Tony and Christa Mollgaard’s last Sunday with us.  They will be moving to Hartland, Wisconsin next week.  We will be using the Rite of Farewell and Godspeed for them at the 8:45 a.m. worship service if you would like to be in attendance and tell them goodbye.
  6. Sunday, I will be preaching on the gospel text, John 10:11-18, and the theme of Jesus
    as our Good Shepherd.  In fact, the 4th Sunday of Easter is generally referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” as we will hear again the beloved scripture of Psalm 23, and hear the singing of “The King Of Love My Shepherd Is.”     
  7. We received word this week that our congregational Blood Drive, scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer