For a printable PDF copy of this week’s newsletter, please click Engaged Weekly 031719

On Sunday, March 10, everyone who worshiped at Holy Trinity experienced a rare treat.  Long-time Holy Trinity member Eugenia Mae “Genie” Craven preached the sermon in honor of her 90th birthday.  Speaking not only about the scriptures of the day but also about her 90 years of life, 67 of which have been spent at Holy Trinity, Genie shared lessons, stories, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work.  If you weren’t able to experience Genie’s sermon in person, or if you’d like to hear it again, click on the links below.  Thank you, Genie, and thanks be to God for the blessing of being church together!

Faith Formation Theme for Lent and Easter 2019

As we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem and the resurrection again this season of Lent and Easter, we anticipate that God will reset our lives through repentance, reveal our salvation in the death of Jesus on the cross, and renew our lives through the promise of his resurrection three days later.  The following resources are available to support your faith formation this season, both available at the Information Center:

• Journal to Journey with Jesus to Jerusalem for writing and drawing your reflections on the Focus Bible Passage for each week.
• Cross+Generational Stained Glass Puzzle using images from the life of Jesus depicted on the stained glass windows in Grace Hall.  See Pastor Steve with any questions or to submit your team’s answers.

I cannot tell you how blessed I feel with the love, hugs and best wishes I was given this past weekend. Turning 90 has really been so much more than I expected. I thank Steve, Andrew and Josh for their support with the sermon and music and all of you who came on a morning when you’d lost an hour’s sleep. Thanks for staying and sharing cake and checking out my “growing up” pictures. I just want you to know that I consider you all my extended family. Love, Genie Craven

“Friends for life in Christ” is the theme of the WELCA Bible study when we meet on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 am in the church library. As we continue this study of the book of John we will meet Jesus’ friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus, among others. We share Jesus’ final conversation with his disciples before his arrest, where he shows us his love and prays for us. Please join us for an interesting hour.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that our heavenly Father expects moral behavior from his people.  Moreover, God expects that behavior to be motivated by proper motives and attitudes. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter2:12)  God is looking for us to do the proper things not because we want to please others, but so that God may be glorified.  Paul wrote, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4b) As redeemed people, we strive to do right, because God deserves nothing less from us.  For more information about stewardship, please contact Max Buban.

For a printable PDF version of this week’s newsletter, please click Engaged Weekly 031019

In an attempt to understand the scripture lessons in a different light, which 16^th-century artist Caravaggio does, the Sunday Scripture Discussion group will be joining with the Adult Forum class currently discussing Caravaggio.  All adults are invited to join them on Sundays, March 10 and 17 at 9:30 am in the Conference Room. The Scripture Discussion group will return to its regular format on Sunday, March 24 at 9:30 am in the church library when Carl Peterson will lead the discussion of the week’s lessons.  Please contact Carl Peterson for more information.

Since so many students were interested but unable to attend last month, the Reinke family has graciously offered to reschedule the Middle School youth group bowling activity.  Plan to meet at the church by 3:30 Sunday, March 24 to arrive at Ten Pin Ally in Hilliard by 4:00 when lanes are reserved.  Everyone will head back to church at 6:00 when our reservation concludes for pickup at church no later than 6:30pm.  The cost is $10 for bowling and pizza.  Please RSVP to be sure we have enough rides. Hope to see you March 24!

God directs us to give regularly and generously (1 Corinthians 16:2).  You may never be in a better position to give generously than you are today.  The decision to give God your first and best is usually not made with calculators or with pencil and paper.  The decision to give to God the first portion of your paycheck is made on your knees and with your heart.  Giving generously and cheerfully has very little to do with mathematical formulas. For more information about stewardship,please contact Max Buban.