Pastor’s Page
“Seriously…”
If the Scriptures assigned for the next four weeks of Epiphany have any one message, I think it would say, “Be a serious Christian”. We life-long believers can be tempted to become blasé about our faith. The wonderful news of free salvation by grace through faith, forgiveness of sins and other undeserved blessings loses some of its luster. Along with that, our religious identity can start to focus on the trappings of religious expression, what church we identify with, how we worship, how well our church is perceived in the community, and our own reputation.
But living the faith demands something substantially more. It means that we have a pure heart, worship in sincere faith, and love with selfless charity toward others. It means that we take the law seriously, not watering it down because we have grace—cheap grace. Until we take the law seriously, we will not regain the amazement of the Gospel.
God looks at the heart, the intentions and will of our spirit. That is good and bad news. It means, on one hand, that God understands our struggles, when we, like Paul, must admit that we don’t do what we want to do, but go contrary to what we know is right. We are weak, and God forgives, for He knows our true longings to be obedient. On the other hand, we cannot fool Him. We may live very pious lives, but for selfish motives. We may appear righteous, but inwardly harbor impure thoughts, willingly. He knows that too and has low regard for a dishonest heart before Him.
So how do we deal with this? I encourage you to be especially tuned in this month to hear God’s Word, so that you can grow in your faith– seriously.
Peace be with you, Pastor Tom Konz
Sunday Worship Themes in February
February 2nd “The Three- Fold Good” Micah 6:8
February 9th “Respect for the Law” Matthew 5:17-20
February 16th “Habits of the Heart” Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
February 23rd “You Are God’s Temple” 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
SERVING FAITH IN FEBRUARY
Worship
8:15 a.m. Service:
Usher: Jimmy Pack & Larry Angerhofer
Greeter: Lynann Simpson
Altar: Sheila Small & Sue Angerhofer
Acolyte: 2: Jamee, 9: Tara, 16: Cooper, 23: Kason
10:45 a.m. Service:
Usher: Doug Hanna & Mark Gallagher
Greeter: Lee Barlow
Altar: Sheila Small & Sue Angerhofer
Acolyte: 2: Rett, 9: Ethan, 16: Noah, 23: Landry
If you are at a service and the scheduled server is not present, please step up and volunteer.
Brunch Schedule
Snack Snack Snack Drink/Server
2 Simpson Small Nelson Pack
9 Strohmeyer Sparkman Nehring Tate
16 VanWright Weber Fredrickson Hanna
23 Cubbage Angerhofer Carlson Cameron
If you are unable to serve on a Sunday, please find a replacement and let the office know. Serving includes set up, clean up, and drinks.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES
Sunday School
Come try out what fits your age and interest:
Sunday School: New Testament Lessons about Jesus life and examples for us ages
Preschool to 6th grade
Adult Bible Classes: John Franz has a video and covering the Book of John in February in Room 6. Pastor Konz has a class on the Sunday Bible readings in Room 9
FLY Sunday Studio: Led by Diana Synatzske and Javier Garza on topics of interest for 7th-12th in the FLY Youth room
Young Adults: Led by Brent Stroebel for all post high school young adults) in Pastor’s Study
Faith Lutheran Youth
During the month of February we will be living out our National Youth Gathering theme from 2013: Live Loved.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot[a] love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21
February 5th: We will prepare Love Notes for the 150 meals delivered by Erath County Meals on Wheels.
February 12th: We will hand decorate sweet scripture cookies for your Valentine. The cost is $1 per cookie, $5 for 1/2 dozen or $10 for a dozen cookies. Make someone’s day a little sweeter and support our youth at the same time. Order forms are in the bulletin and February newsletter.
February 19th: We will learn how Erath County cares for Abandoned, Abused & Lost animals. I apologize, ahead of time, if this leads to a desire for a new pet in your home.
February 26th: We will care for the brick, mortar & natural blessings God has bestowed upon our congregation by cleaning up inside and outside our Faith campus.
February 26th: is also the deadline for your Summer camp deposit. The non-refundable amount is $50. Camp dates are June 15-20, 2014. Youth aged 8-18 are eligible to attend. If you have questions about camp please attend church on Sunday, February 23rd for a brief presentation at the end of both services.
Our youth are off and FLYing in 2014. Working alongside them is a blessing. Thank you for supporting us!
LWML
As always, “Serving the Lord with Gladness” is our motto and is also that of all the members of Faith Lutheran Church.
We had two WONDERFUL times in January:
- At the potluck dinner on Sunday, Jan. 26th. What an assortment of food plus about 40 men, women, and children attended. Lois Teinert, the LWML State District President, shared the joys of the Poland mission trip she took last summer.
- The fun baby shower for Mallory (daughter of Keith and Martha Fredickson) on January 11th.
In February:
- February 2nd is a Diaper Shower for Brit An (Nordstrom) and Justin Prescott’s baby boy Jeriah Dillon Prescott who was born Dec. 1st, 2013. Bring diapers and enjoy reception between services on Sunday, Feb. 2nd.
- February 10th: Deadline to register for Café Chocolat at lower price of $35 for overnight or $15 for Saturday only.
- February 21st-22nd: Sign up to go to “Café Chocolat” retreat at Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose. See registration form and flyer in this newsletter.
- Church Garage Sale March 22nd. Start saving your good stuff.
We hope to see YOU joining in as we all “Serve the Lord with Gladness” in February!
Trinity Zone LWML all Women Invited!
Friday, Feb. 21 @ 5:30pm to Saturday Feb. 22nd @ 4:00pm
Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose
$35 per person for overnight ($40 after Feb. 10)
$15 for Saturday only ($20 after Feb. 10)
Registration forms on LWML table
PLEASE JOIN US!
S.A.I.L
S.A.I.L. started 2014 in a great way with 15 members in attendance on January 9th at Bible study when Pastor Tom led us in an interesting discussion on forgiveness: received and given. We learned that the rhythm of the Church is all about forgiveness received in baptism, communion and the Holy Spirit. Then forgiveness is given when we breathe out what we received.
Our special birthday celebration for Darleene Hufstutler and Pastor Tom included cards and refreshments provided by Cheryl and Lynann. Our members voted to donate money on Jan. 16 for FLY to use for a meal this semester. We also decided to plan to see the movie Son of God on Mar. 2 and to post a sign-up sheet for the congregation. In order to purchase tickets ahead of time, the deadline to sign up will be Feb. 23.
On Jan. 16 Cheryl Konz provided a delicious cake at the beginning of our S.A.I.L. meeting. Pastor Tom started the prayer and each of the 14 present added petitions of thanksgiving and concerns. Brent Stroebel kept our complete attention as he described the two very different trips he made to New York City. When the 2012 NYC Marathon was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, Brent learned help was needed in the cleanup process on Staten Island. The pictures and stories he shared of the devastation there and interesting people he met brought that event right into our midst. This past November Brent did complete the marathon in NYC in the top quarter of the 50,000 runners. It was so interesting to hear about his experiences and learn about his plans for his next marathon. We collected $74 for use by FLY for meals this semester. We continue to collect computer printer cartridges to gain money through Staple’s recycle program in order to provide $40 each month for use in the church office.
Next month’s Bible study will be on Feb. 6th, and S.A.I.L. will meet on the 20th when a presentation is planned regarding organizations that need volunteers. Please join us for Christian education, fellowship and refreshments.
Guest Speaker comes to SAIL February 20.
Larry Ohls, director of the Lutheran Foundation of Texas (LFOT), will present the various opportunities that members can give to the Christian ministry of their choice through estate planning. SAIL members and others considering these options are especially invited to attend this meeting at the regular time of 10:00 in Room 9.
LFOT’s mission is to build God’s kingdom by educating people about the joy of planned giving and facilitating gifts that support Christian ministries. It was founded in 1960 in response to a donor whose desire was to give a tract of real estate to the Texas District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). Since then, it has grown into a full-service planned giving foundation managing over $42 million of assets held in over 400 accounts. LFOT operates as a charitable, non-profit, tax-exempt ministry. In 2012, LFOT had total distributions of $1,998,068.
For more information visit www.lfot.org
Evangelism
We are excited that we have permission from land owners and will be installing the first Faith Lutheran sign on Highway 377 coming from Dublin into Stephenville. We have 3 other locations; we are in contact with the land owners and working on the specifics of TXDOT rules. We ask for your prayers as our goal is to have all signs installed by Easter.
Thank you for the input we have received about the Pew Bibles. The “reader” each Sunday will be conscious of giving us more time to find the scripture references. We will be ordering another case! Remember, you have the option to bring your own Bible, bookmark the scriptures used or use your phone with a Bible APP
Thank you also, for all who helped hand out the “Change for Life” baby bottles!
A BIG thank you to Bethany Espinoza for serving on our Board! Jim Myers will be stepping into her position and we are blessed to have him also!
We appreciate Sarah Osterloh enhancing the Faith Family Center entrance by placing scripture above the doorway. THANK YOU!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Meals on Wheels: Feb. 7: Walter, Feb. 14: Pack, Feb. 21: Quade,
Feb. 28: SIMPSON
Recycling: In January we received $15 for our youth from your aluminum can recycling. Please continue to bring your aluminum cans to the kitchen by the sanctuary and we will see that they are recycled. This is good for the environment and for our youth.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Charles Fulton 2/3 Valarie Hamaker 2/14
Kaleb Bills 2/4 Gray Vandenberg 2/14
Dorwin Schulze 2/5 Ryan Mitchell 2/15
Ryleeanne Thackerson 2/5 Ed Knoll 2/17
Cooper Javarone 2/6 Paula Hymer 2/19
Alicia Schermerhorn 2/6 Viki Hymer 2/19
Willow Osterloh 2/7 Irene Spitz 2/20
Lloyd Swiggum 2/8 Grayson Javarone 2/22
Gabriella Carrasco 2/10 Bill White 2/24
Landry Stroebel 2/12 Logan Hanna 2/25