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Sunday Adult Forum Topic for March 24, 31 and April 7

For the sake of understanding more fully the faith of our Muslim neighbors and exploring any opportunities we might have for connecting with them as people of faith living in the same country, we continue our consideration of the DVD series entitled Discover Islam.  Using discussion guides provided by the ELCA and theologians from the Lutheran seminary in Chicago, last week we considered the topic of Faith and History, looking into the origins of Islam.  This week we’ll consider the topic: Islam in America and next week, Islam and Christian relations.

For those who might be interested to learn a little bit about Islam for themselves, PBS published the documentary Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet which you can stream at this website.  The full-length video is found at the second link on that page.  https://www.upf.tv/films/muhammad-legacy-of-a-prophet/watch/#streaming

These events are being moderated by Pastor Steve who would be glad to address any questions or suggestions that you might have.

The April 2019 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission is a Festschrift for the Rev. Dr. Walter F. Taylor, Jr., Ernest W. and Edith S. Ogram Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.  Drawn from the German words for “celebration” and for “writing,” a Festschrift is an academic tradition in which a distinguished scholar is honored with a collection of essays written by colleagues and former students.

A Festschrift is a two-directional piece of writing. At one level, a Festschrift “honors up.” It celebrates the scholarship of the person being honored. At another level, a Festschrift “teaches forward.” In celebrating the scholarship of the honoree, the contributing authors draw on what they have learned from their colleague or mentor and continue the legacy in their own scholarly work. Graduate students know that one way to get a good sense of someone’s influence in the field is to look at their Festschrift.

Wally’s New Testament colleague at Trinity, the Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell, introduces the Festschrift with these words: “Walter Frederick Taylor Jr. came to Trinity Lutheran Seminary in July of 1981 to serve a little more than thirty-five years as a professor of New Testament studies. He retired at the end of 2016, having impacted the lives of more than 2,000 students.” Now that’s a legacy!

You can read the Festschrift online at http://www.currentsjournal.org/index.php/currents

Thank you, everyone, for the cards, visits, prayers, and kindness you’ve shown during my recovery from knee surgery.  Your thoughtfulness has been overwhelming.  I look forward to being back with you as soon as I can.
– Carl Peterson

All members of Holy Trinity are invited to attend a brief meeting on Sunday, April 7 at 11:30 am, immediately following the 10:30 worship service, when Church Council will provide an update on the results of our recent Estimate of Giving ministry and present a revised ministry spending plan for 2019.

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” writes the Apostle James (James 2:17).  As God’s stewards, we live out our faith by acting in obedience to God’s command to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, entertain the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the prisoner (Matthew 25:35-36).  For more information about stewardship,please contact Max Buban.

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Following is a brief recap of the approved minutes from the February 2019 Church Council meeting:

• Youth room completion is being coordinated with Kris Eicher.
• Awaiting information from Estimate of Giving ministry to decide on Roofing Master Plan.
• Jacob’s Porch property purchase is awaiting approval from Synod and ELCA.
• Vicar Andrew’s Rural Ministry course has been completed. His final intensive class will be 3/26-4/2/19.
• Giving statements were mailed to all who made financial contributions to Holy Trinity in 2018.
• Stewardship/Estimate of Giving mailing has been sent. About 40 responses have been returned to date.
• Easter music will include a brass quintet as well as organ and piano duets.
• Mike Christman (president), Tim Stock (VP), Matt Fox (Treasurer) and Dan Perry (Financial Secretary) will be signatories in 2019 for the church’s bank accounts.
• Leslie Torres will research options for improved electronic file sharing between council members.
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be March 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Please help serve if you’re able.
• Income and expenses are within expected estimates for this time period.

All women are invited to attend the Women of Faith lunch gathering at 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 10 at Hunan Lion Restaurant, 2038 Crown Plaza Dr., Columbus 43235 (faces Bethel Rd next to Dollar Tree). If you like Asian food you will want to join us for some of the best. Please sign up at the Collection & Signup Corner in the Gathering place or contact the church office so we can add you to our reservation number.