02/26/23 Weekly Congregational update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

Here are this week’s updates:

  • On Tuesday, earlier this week, 70+ members of our congregation joined others for a wonderful afternoon/evening at our Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  Some photos of this event will be in our next newsletter.

  • This coming Sunday I will be preaching on handling temptation, based on the Gospel text, “Matthew 4:1-11.”

  • Don’t forget that we are collecting the following items as part of our Share A Hug In A Mug! Outreach ministry to HOPE Missions of the Update.  Make sure and check out their website!
    • Ground Coffee (like Maxwell House or Folgers)
    • 4 lb. bags of sugar
    • Powder Non-Dairy Creamer
    • These items can be dropped off at the church in the room off the narthex, where a big bin and table have been set up for this purpose.  The electronic door code to the front door of the church is still not working so you will need to enter one of the side doors (like the ramp door) using the door code. The last day to drop off donations is Sunday, March 5.

  • Monday evening the LMM will gather for a supper meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

  • On Wednesday, March 1 we will begin our Lenten Suppers (6:00 p.m.) and Lenten worship services (7:00 p.m.).  Each week the meal will be provided by different groups within the congregation.  A free-will offering will be received. As for the worship services, we will begin a series on “The Seven Last Words of Christ.”  I will be preaching on Luke 23:32-34 as we explore the first statement of Jesus from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” said while the Roman soldiers were pounding the nails into his hands and feet.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

Why is there a “dead” tree covered in caterpillars in the sanctuary?

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You can’t help but notice the “dead” tree covered in caterpillars which has appeared in the Sanctuary. You may question – why is it here or what is it about?

 

Things are different in both the church and nature this time of year. There are some things “sleeping” in our worship such as the use of Alleluias. Everything in our yards such as the grass and trees look dead but they too are just “sleeping”. Some of God’s creatures such as caterpillars make cocoons. Although we might think they are dead, they actually have rebirth as a butterfly.

 

This tree is actually here to help each of us to remember that while the weather often is cool and gray and the grass is brown and the trees bare, there is the hope that Spring is coming! Bulbs are blooming and the days are getting longer. Just as we have hope for Spring, Lent gives us a time to hope for Easter and the promise that the resurrection brings. Just as the change of seasons brings surprises, keep watching the tree thru the Lenten season – there are more surprises to come!   

 

In past years this has been a project of the LCY and the Sunday School children but this year we included all families of the congregation during a Family Fun Night event. 

02/19/23 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of the Congregation,

 

Just a few things to pass along to you this week:

 

  • Thank you to all who contributed to the Souper Bowl of Caring event this past Sunday.  Together we gave $462.83 to AIM!

  • Looking ahead, after a recommendation from the Worship and Music Committee and endorsed by the Church Council, we will be returning to the With One Voice (blue hymnal) in the months of July and August.  It has been 3 years since  we have done this and we look forward to returning to this annual change of pace for worship this summer.

  • If you plan to attend the Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and do not have tickets, is it not too late.  This afternoon is the LAST opportunity to purchase your tickets.  You have until 2:30 p.m. this afternoon to call and catch Pat before she leaves the Church Office.  As of right now, we have sold 64 tickets to our congregation!  This event will take place Tuesday afternoon/evening at Boulevard Baptist Church.  The $10.00 will get you a fabulous meal of pancakes, bacon, coffee, orange juice, and milk and all the money raised will go to HOPE Missions of the Upstate.  The pancake supper will run from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. and many of our Lutheran Men in Mission from Holy Trinity will be doing the cooking, cleaning and serving.  Don’t forget to bring your ticket(s) to the supper!

  • On Ash Wednesday, we are offering two identical worship services in our sanctuary.  One service will take place at 12:00 Noon for those who prefer to drive during the daylight hours.  The other service will take place at 7:00 p.m.  Both services will have the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.

  • This Sunday is Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday.  I encourage you to read over the First Lesson (Exodus 24:12-18) and the Gospel Reading (Matthew 17:1-9) and think about the following questions:
    • How are these two passages similar?
    • What is the “Shekhinah” in the Old Testament? (Google this)
    • Who is Moses and Elijah?
    • What is the significance of their presence being with the Lord in the Gospel?
    • What “mountain top” experiences have you had in your life?
    • How do our “mountain top” experiences from our past influence us today?

 

Hope to see you Sunday,

Pastor Fischer

 

2/12/23 SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY Update

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Thank you to all who participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring last Sunday. The total raised for both Super Bowl teams was: the Eagles ($165.00) and the Chiefs ($297.83) for a grand total of ($462.83). All monies received will be sent to AIM. Thank you for your generosity.

02/12/23 Weekly Congregational Updates

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Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

 

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

 

  • Attached is a photo from last night’s Family Fun Night.  As you can see, we had 7 child participate!  We are very grateful for Suzie Bannister sharing her gift of Bible storing telling with the children.  The rest of us adults had a wonderful time as well. With Lent upon us, we will take a two month break and resume in May.

     

  • We keep in our thoughts and prayers Barbara Trent who underwent double hernia surgery this afternoon. 
  • We continue to keep the people of Turkey in our prayers in their time of tragedies from recent earthquakes and aftershocks. As I write these words, the death toll has exceeded 20,000! 
  • Our Semi Annual Congregational meeting will take place in Fellowship Hall at 9:50 AM Sunday.  Please be prompt as we will start on time.  Please bring your Yearbook with you if you have already picked it up this past week, otherwise, your copy is still waiting for you in the narthex. A light continental breakfast will be served.  We will hear of our accomplishments this past year as a congregation and for our community. 
  • Sunday is Red Dress Sunday to highlight Heart Disease Awareness and Education in Women.  Ladies, you are encouraged to wear your red colors. 
  • After each worship service, you will have the opportunity to participate in our Souper Bowl of Caring event.  Our Youth will be in the narthex, giving you the chance to support your favorite Super Bowl team.  All money raised will go toward AIM. 
  • Sunday is the last Sunday to purchase your Shrove Tuesday Pancake tickets after worship.  The deadline to get your tickets is a week from today, Thursday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m., from Pat in the Church Office.  As of right now, we have sold 39 Adult tickets and 1 child’s ticket.  I picked up another 50 Adult tickets yesterday as we expect most tickets to be sold this Sunday.  After a 3-year hiatus, this community event will return to Boulevard Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 22.  You may stop by to eat anytime between 4:30-7:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday, I will be preaching on the difficult gospel text of Matthew 5:21-37, focusing on anger/murder.  My sermon title is: “I Am So Mad I Could Spit!” 
  • The new Lenten Devotionals are now ready to be picked up in the narthex.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer

2/12/23 RED DRESS SUNDAY

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RED DRESS SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 12th Women, wear your red dress on this day to highlight Heart Disease Awareness and Education in Women.

2023 LENTEN WORSHIP AND SUPPER SCHEDULE

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2023 LENTEN WORSHIP AND SUPPER SCHEDULE

Sermon Series: “The Seven Last Words of Christ”

Notes:
1) Our annual Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will resume this year at Blvd. Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 21.
2) Both Ash Wednesday Services, Maundy Thursday Services, and Good Friday Services will be identical.


Wednesday, February 22 Ash Wednesday Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
[no meal] Message: “Something More Than Just Ashes”

Wednesday, March 1 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Luther’s Ladies to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “A Word of Forgiveness”

Wednesday, March 8 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Katie’s Ladies to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “A Word of Hope”

Wednesday, March 15 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Lutheran Men in Mission to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “A Word of Concern”

Wednesday, March 22 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Lutheran Church Youth to host]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “A Word of Loneliness”

Wednesday, March 29 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper [Congregational Potluck Meal]
Lenten Service – 7:00 p.m. Message: “A Word of Suffering”

Thursday, April 6 – Maundy Thursday
[no meal] Maundy Thursday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
Message: “A Word of Triumph”

Friday, April 7 – Good Friday
[no meal] Good Friday Worship Services 12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
Message: “A Word of Reunion”

2/5/23 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

 

As the rain comes down, I send you some things that are happening in our congregation right now.  They are:

 

  • “How many were in worship last Sunday?” you ask.  We had 117!  Afterwards 65 of us gathered to enjoy a Potluck meal and conversation.

  • The Messenger was mailed out Tuesday of this week.  Hopefully your copy will arrive soon.  Please read over all the articles as there is a lot going on in February.

  • The new Yearbooks were printed earlier today, one for each household.  They have been placed in the Sacristy so that you may pick up your copy at your convenience.  There are names on each copy.  Note: the front door code is still not working but you may enter with a key or use the ramp door code to enter, or pick up your copy Sunday.

  • Our Bi-Annual Congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, February 12 at 9:50 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  A light breakfast will be served.

  • Wednesday of next week, will be our next Family Fun Night, after which we will take a break in March and April, due to Lenten worship services, and resume in May. Wednesday evening we will gather at 5:30 p.m. for a meal, songs, Bible story, and related project.  The meal will be provided.

  • Our Community Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place on Tuesday, February 21 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Boulevard Baptist Church.  The tickets this year are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (12 years of age and younger).  Checks can be made out to “Holy Trinity” with “Pancake Supper” in the memo.  The proceeds will be given to HOPE Missions of the Upstate.  Tickets will be available starting Sunday after each worship service in the narthex, or you can stop by the church office and get tickets from Pat.  To help with the quantity of food to purchase, you will not be able to purchase tickets on the day of the event.  The deadline to get your tickets is Thursday, 3:00 p.m. in the church office.

  • Sunday, I will be preaching on the gospel text, Matthew 5:13-20, as we explore Jesus imploring us to be “the salt of the earth.”  What does that mean to you? 

 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Fischer

 

1/29/23 Dedication of Needlepoint Window Project

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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Needlepoint Projects
In February 2003, members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church formed a group interested in
using their needlework skill to the Glory of God and to beautify Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for
generations to come. Over the next twenty years the following members of Holy Trinity
contributed their talents on needlepoint projects both large and small: Betty Barton, Gail Cannon,
Linda Cirocco, Jamie Corrigan, Rynde Dial, Roz Eckardt, Harriet Gilmer, Amy Goodson, Jan
House, Nancy Korn, Edna Moore, Dawn Myers, Jane Potter, Elaine Rummage, Stacie Smith, Judy
Wagner, and Kathryn Weeks. Unless noted below, designs were by Linda Mote.
Project #1: Four kneeling cushions with Trinity symbols and a central Luther Rose cushion for use
at the altar. Work began July 2003 and was dedicated December 2004.
Project #2: Covers for 10 chairs and the Prie Dieu (minister’s kneeler). Work began December
2004 and was dedicated November 2007.
Project #3: Seasonal kneeling cushions (Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Weddings) and
silencers for offering plates. These were dedicated November 2007.
Project #4: Red Paraments and Stole. These were dedicated May 2010.
Project #5: Chrismons. The first set of 46 were designed either by Gail Keffer (26) or were patterns
based on HTLC Chrismons not included in the Keffer patterns. Work began August 2014 and these
were dedicated December 2016. The second set of ten Chrismons were made for use in the
December 2017 Christmas Pageant. All patterns and kits were prepared by Nancy Korn.
Project #6 Chrismon Tree Skirt. The design was from the original felt tree skirt made by members
of the Morning Circle in the early 1960’s. Canvases were prepared by Jamie Corrigan. Work began
in 2015 and dedication was December 2019.

Project #7 Needlepoint Window. Work began in 2018 and is being dedicated today.

The Window Project was designed by Linda Mote, of Lexington, South Carolina. She has
designed most of our needlepoint projects including the kneeling cushions at the altar, the chair
covers, the prei dieu (minister’s kneeler) cover, the offering plate silencers, and the red
Paraments.
The Window was divided into nine sections just as the stained glass windows in the
sanctuary. The black borders show the division of the sections. A kit for each section consisted
of a painted canvas and needlepoint yarn.
Needlework was done by:
Top left – Amy Goodson
Top center – Jamie Corrigan
Top right – Kim Hill
Middle left –Nancy Korn
Middle center – Roz Eckardt
Middle right –Sue Rasche
Bottom left – Jane Potter
Bottom center – Jane Potter
Bottom right – Nancy Korn
Finishing was done by Pam Rosborough of The Finishing Works in Inman, SC.
The cost of the kits and finishing of the Window Project was donated by Dr. Georgia Lou
Huff and given in memory of her grandson, R. Julian Bannister IV.

1/29/23 Weekly Congregational Update

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Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity, Here are this week’s updates:

1)  Another large group from our congregation was busy this past Monday with the SnackPack project feeding the hungry school children in Anderson county.  If you would like to be on the email list as a volunteer, contact Mike Cox.

    

2)  There appears to be another round of phishing going around with my name attached to it with the following words, “Greetings, I have an essential request for you to manage Confidentially for me via email. I will appreciate swift  correspondence via email for the descriptions, I will await your email. Reverend J. Chris Fischer”   Note: You should be suspicious if the name at the end is different from what I usually use, or if the message asks for money, or if the email connected to my name is incorrect. 

3) The church front door code is currently not accessible.  We are waiting for a repair part that has been ordered.  In the meantime, if you need to enter the church during the week, please use either the church key (if you have one) or enter through another door.  On Sunday, the door will be unlocked giving you entrance into the sanctuary.

4) Don’t forget that this Sunday, January 29 is a 5th Sunday and therefore we will be having One Combined Worship at 10:00 a.m.  (There will be no Adult Sunday School class.)  After worship, we will be having a Potluck Meal in Fellowship Hall.  Please bring a dish or two to share.  You may drop off your food into Fellowship Hall before the worship service and our Fellowship Committee will heat up your food item, if necessary. 

5) As part of the worship service we eagerly look forward to dedicating our Needlepoint Window Project which the ladies of our congregation have been working on for several years! 

6) Sunday, I will be preaching on the Gospel lesson, Matthew 5:1-12, as we try to make sense of The Beatitudes.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Fischer