This week at Hope 2/22/2021

Well, is this the new normal—consistent inconsistency, predictable unpredictability, continual discontinuity?

Should we expect to encounter some crisis/tragedy/upheaval every week?

I hope not!

But thank God we have the Firm Foundation, Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Yesterday in worship we observed the First Sunday in Lent and learned from Jesus how to go God’s way. Jesus’ baptism and our baptism identify us as beloved children of the heavenly Father. Jesus’ temptations and our temptations provide testing and purifying, even as we are supported by divine help. Jesus’ proclamation applies to us and becomes our own proclamation—“Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” As we are discovering day after day and now in Lent, self-denial is a necessity that enables us to fully rely on God.

Our postponed Ash Wednesday service is now scheduled for this Wednesday at 11:30 am with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. We will focus on the chief parts of the Christian faith from Luther’s Small Catechism, beginning with the Ten Commandments.

Circumstances throughout the past year have resulted in greatly reduced Wednesday evening activities at Hope. In anticipation of the Lenten season, the Board of Elders polled their care groups and determined that very few members (less than ten) were ready to commit to midweek Evening services. Therefore the Elders moved to hold only the 11:30 services on the five Wednesdays of Lent this year.

Lenten daily devotional books are available at the church. Thanks to Betsy Martino and the LWML for preparing these.

Baby Shower for Olive Songolo and son is this Sunday between service and classes. We will have a festive occasion in the parish hall! Diapers will be a great gift, along with Walmart-Target-HEB gift cards.

Scripture readings for Sunday—Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 5:1-11; Mark 8:27-38.

Birthdays—2/21 Don Bahr

Anniversaries—

“Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love Him” James 1

Pastor Heckmann