For a printable PDF version of this week’s newsletter, please click Engaged Weekly 022419

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.”– I Peter 4:10-11

As members of the body of Christ, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church now looks to see how we can serve our community and our world with the gifts we have been given. Council has prepared a preliminary Ministry Spending Plan for 2019. Some aspirational budget items include: additional property funds to pay for a Roof Care Master Plan, a 2% salary increase for all staff except Pastor Steve who will receive an extra Sunday of vacation, and an additional $5,000 to apply toward the mortgage. These items among others represent a 12% increase in regular offerings.

The Estimate of Giving letters and response cards will help establish the scope of our ministry together this year. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Responses can be placed in the collection box at the Info Center table or the offering plate and will be consecrated during worship this Sunday, February 24. Based on those estimates, Council will then finalize the Ministry Spending Plan for 2019. God’s peace be with you all!

Holy Trinity’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held Tuesday, March 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Please join us for Church Council’s annual event to serve dinner to the congregation on the eve of Ash Wednesday.  In addition to pancakes and sausage, there will also be raffles and prizes from local businesses and NEW this year: a silent auction for larger prizes that includes a pair of tickets to an Ohio State home football game.  (If you would like to contribute a prize for the silent auction, please contact Tim Stock at tmstock425@gmail.com or contact the church office.)  As always, the dinner is free but a free-will offering will be received to support Upper Arlington’s The Stand Project which is a community action project focused on the prevention of substance abuse and is committed to standing by students and families in finding help.  Hope to see you on Tuesday, March 5 for a good meal and a good cause!

The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6.  On that day, we will worship with the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion at 11:45 am and 7:00 pm.  Plan now to join us that day and each of the five Wednesday that follow, as together we contemplate the passion and sacrifice of Jesus through which God reconciles us from sin.

First Corinthians 16:2 urges us to give regularly, proportionately, and of our first fruits.  When love for God becomes the motivating force behind our giving, we will find ourselves following that exhortation joyfully, freely, cheerfully.  Week after week, we will give our tithe or beyond, writing out that check before we pay our bills.  A love-motivated commitment puts God in charge.  God promises to take care of us.  God will meet our needs and we give out of love for God and God’s people. For more information about stewardship,please contact Max Buban.

For a printable PDF version of this week’s newsletter, please click Engaged Weekly 021719

Vicar Andrew is leading a four-week study on Caravaggio and the Bible Sunday mornings, February 10 – March 3 at 9:35 am.  Please join us in the conference room for this interesting discussion about the Counter-Reformation through the life and work of 16th-century artist Caravaggio.

It is God’s plan for us to give.  Giving is not an option.  Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).  In our giving, we express our gratitude for all that God has done and gives to us. You see, whether or not our church needs our money, we have a purpose and a need to give.  Paul wrote, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a certain sum of money in keeping with one’s income…” (I Corinthians 16:2).  We are to give on a regular basis as we are blessed. People filled with God’s wisdom will give their best to the Lord.  For more information on stewardship,please contact Max Buban.

For a printable PDF version of this week’s newsletter, please click Engaged Weekly 021019

Do your kids need braces while the car is making a funny noise just as income tax forms arrived in the mail?   Don’t worry!  Easy to say, right?  Yet that’s exactly what Jesus tells us:  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25)  Put your faith and hope in God, for God cares for you.  For more information on stewardship, please contact Max Buban.