The flock MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2025 – VOLUME 6 MISSION OUTREACH TO UGANDA On February 18, Pastor Herd will be preaching about his upcoming trip to Uganda. He will be leaving on March 1 to train lay leaders in Uganda. At this time, there are not near enough pastors to bring the Gospel to Lutheran Churches in Uganda. We have the opportunity to this mission need where God has opened an amazing door to spread the Gospel. The Cost of the trip plus supplies for the actual ministry is $9,000. We will be taking a door offering at both services. You may also give a gift towards the mission trip on Givelify. Offerings are needed by February 25. Let’s us answer the call of our Lord to spread the Gospel to all creation. “...for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” — Romans 10:13-14
Transcript
The flock MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2025 – VOLUME 6
MISSION OUTREACH TO UGANDA
On February 18, Pastor Herd will be preaching about his upcoming trip to Uganda. He will be leaving on March 1 to train lay leaders in Uganda. At this time, there are not near enough pastors to bring the Gospel to Lutheran Churches in Uganda. We have the opportunity to this mission need where God has opened an amazing door to spread the Gospel. The Cost of the trip plus supplies for the actual ministry is $9,000.
We will be taking a door offering at
both services.
You may also give a gift towards the mission trip on
Givelify.
Offerings are needed by February 25.
Let’s us answer the call of our Lord to spread the Gospel to all creation.
“...for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” — Romans 10:13-14
completely turns upside down the ideas of the world. “I will confess my transgression.” The wisdom of the world forever is telling you to brag about yourself. “Look at me! I am smart! I am intelligent! I am gifted!” The last thing you want to do is highlight your weaknesses. It is called advertising! I once heard a definition of advertising that caught my eye. The just of it was this. Advertising is the attempt to convince someone they need something they don’t or hiding the true quality of a subpar product. Sinners do the later a lot. The psalmist did the opposite. He did not hide his sin, but confessed it. Why? Because it was a way of saying, “I do not have the answer. Lord, I give up. You have to take care of this. I am helpless without your grace.” That is why the psalmist confessed his sin. HE WANTED TO GROW! Do you?
Bringing our sin to God in confession is only the start. The second part must follow, “And you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” God must forgive. That forgiveness is the LORD is brought to us in one place, His Word. For David, God sent the prophet Nathan to give him that Word of forgiveness. He sends that same Word to you through the preaching of the Word, through the Word in your baptism, through the Word spoken over the bread and wine in the Holy Supper, and through Word of absolution. That is why Lent is such a time of GROWTH! We have always taken more time to spend it in the word as we gather together to prepare for the salvation event, the death and resurrection of Jesus, the heart of God’s forgiving Word.
This year, we will look at the objects of the crucifixion. Jesus once said the even the rocks would cry out if the people of God did not. Well, within the story, these parts of creation cry out as they used by God to each tell a part of the most amazing event in history. What about the nails that were pounded into the hand and feet of our Lord, what do they have to say to us? Then there are the lots that were cast for the last articles of clothing of Jesus, the coins that were used to betray him, the sponge soaked in wine vinegar that moistened the lips of Jesus, the spear that pierced his side bringing forth blood and water, the thorny crown that pierced his flesh. All have a story to tell that brings forth the healing that overcomes our sin that clings to us that we might mature and grow into the fullness of the one who hung on the cross. For in him is our life. It is no longer you who is supposed to be living, but Christ living in you! If you are at the center, that is a sure sign that you remain but an infant. When your boast is in Jesus, there is the path to growing. So come! Hear the Word. For by hearing with faith, this is how you grow! May God bless you today & always- Rev. H. Christopher Sheets
From the Pen of the Pastor
“I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found.”
—Psalm 32:5-6
Lent A Time to Grow This Year’s Midweek Lenten Series The Objects of the Crucifixion Cry Out to YOU!
When I was a child, I could not wait to grow up. What teenager does not want to be treated like an adult and feel like they have grown up? Should it not be the same with the child of God. God’s desire is that we not remain infants in our walk with him, but grow to a maturity in Christ. Yet, while many teens want to be treated as adults, they do not act like it. My dad used to say, “If you want to treated like an adult, then act like one.” His point was clear. I was acting like a stupid kid with some of my choices. Well, our Father in heaven would challenge us to do the same. The question is, “How do I mature?” Some wonder why they never seem to grow closer to Jesus. Well, it does not just happen. I tried that with some of my stupid choices as a kid and fell flat on my face. My parents had to teach me. How much more is that true for Christians. You cannot bring yourself to maturity by your own efforts! It is a gift that the Father in heaven must bring to us. The reason is that the thing that stops us from growing is sin. Only a very immature Christian really believes they have the answer to their own sin. Paul is much stronger when he says of those who think like this, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort,” Galatians 3:3”
The psalmist knew the root of his immaturity and God taught him how to deal with it. It
The Objects of the
Crucifixion Cry Out!
Feb. 14: The Nails ASH WEDNESDAY
Service begins at 6:30 pm
Feb. 21: The Crown of Thorns “Behold Your King!”
Matthew 27:27-31
Feb. 28: 30 Pieces of Silver “What Price Do You Put on Him?”
Matthew 27:3-10
Mar. 7: The Dice “He Gave Up Everything For You!”
John 19:23-25
Mar. 14: The Sponge “He Cries Out With Good News For All!”
John 19:28-30
Mar. 21: The Spear “Life in the Water and the Blood”
John 19:31-37
Lenten Sermon Series Feb. 14—Mar. 31
Services Begin @ 6:30 pm!
We hope you will join us for this year to grow in the Lord and spend an hour on Wednesdays to prepare your heart
for God's amazing gift.
Our Lord moved all of history to center their eyes upon that hill outside of Jerusalem. On Calvary, with the giving of his Son, God opened the door
to eternal life.
This year, we will look at the objects of the crucifix-ion. If you think the rocks cry out of who their Crea-tor is, how much more these objects cry out to us who
our one redeemer and savior is, Jesus Christ. Will you give ear to them? They each unfold part of the gift of grace that helps us grow in our salvation.
Don’t Give Up Witnessing for Lent!
Invite a friend to experience it with you.
SEEK GOD: • Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of
your friend. • Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless all interac ons
with your friends and family. BE CREATIVE: • Exchange stories of family Easter tradi ons.
You’ll learn about their current spiritual situa on and be able to share what Jesus means to you.
• Invite your friends to make new tradi ons this year, especially if the Easter season is stressful or depressing. Invite them to read the devo ons with you, go to Lent services, or par cipate in a servant event.
• Bring your friend or family member to help work
at a church ac vity before Easter. Ge ng to know people in a non-threatening way makes them more likely to a end future worship.
FOLLOW UP: Devo ons from Lutheran Hour Ministries can help keep your faith conversa ons going. Read, listen, e-mail, or print at lhm.org/lent.
Throughout the week, students learned that "It's Still All About Jesus!", which was the week's theme. Each day, students attended a special chapel
service and also had fun by dressing
up in their fanciest outfits and wearing their craziest hats and mis-matched clothes!
Upcoming BCA Events Feb. 2: Doughnuts with Dad @ 8:15 a.m.
Feb. 19: Presidents' Day - School and childcare closed! Feb. 20: Open House for Prospective Families. 4—7 pm. Families who are interested in childcare or educational options for Infants - 8th grade are encouraged to visit BCA that evening. The open house will focus on all grades, but with an emphasis on the kindergarten program. Mrs. Ann Bolden, BCA's kindergarten teacher, will be available throughout the evening to answer questions about the program.
SINCE 1887, BELVOIR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HAS BEEN MAKING DISCIPLES FOR JESUS THROUGH LEARNING, LOVING AND SERVING.
FEB. 4– Craig Mullinax (Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-27) FEB. 11– Mark Steele (Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12-13. Transfiguration Sunday) FEB. 18– Daryl Massengill (Not available at time of print. Lenten Season) FEB. 25- Dan Jacobs (Not available at time of print. Lenten Season) PLEASE NOTE: Scripture Verses are subject to change. Please check with the church office when it is your turn to read. The weekly readings are also included in the weekly announcements email sent out on Fridays. Let us know if you are not receiving these emails so we can add you. 423-629-4661
Lector Schedule Lectors read the Old Testament and Epistle lessons aloud, at the pulpit, on Sunday mornings in the Traditional Service. To learn more, contact Lane McKown @ 423-596-3896
Acolyte Schedule FEB. 4– Need Volunteer FEB. 11- Need Volunteer FEB. 14- (Ash W ednesday) Need Volunteer FEB. 18- Need Volunteer FEB. 21- (Lent Service) Need Volunteer FEB. 25- Need Volunteer FEB. 28- (Lent Service) Need Volunteer
The current rotation of acolytes (only 5 kids) have been faithful servants of the Lord’s work for 3 or more years. While they grategully serve the Lord, we need some new kids to add to the roation so the current acolytes, if they so wish, can take a much needed break or step back to let others take their place. Are you a 5th-8th grader? Do feel God asking you to “get involved” in the church? GOD NEEDS YOU! GSLC NEEDS YOU! Call the church office @ 423-629-4661 to schedule a time to have Pastor train you! Already Trained? AWESOME! We can put you on the schedule immediatly!
WE NEED ACOLYTES!!
ALTAR GUILD FOR FEBRUARY
Not Available. Chair: Ruth Ebert
CALLING & CARING FOR FEBRUARY Sherry Jacobs
Helper: Bernie Hilbrandt
February 2018
Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays 2/1– Catherine Mefford 2/1– Corey Cutcher 2/2– Pam Sosna 2/2– Elizabeth Sosna 2/4– Ben Beam 2/4– Anna Durham 2/4– Pierce Durham 2/6– Jimmy Smith 2/7– Lloyd George 2/8– Megan Steele 2/8– Forrest Montijo 2/10– Hamilton Chadwell 2/10– Kyle Wade 2/11– Jacy Ruud
2/12– Roy Davenport 2/13– Andy Gaines 2/14– Bob Wingard 2/14– Marc Irwin 2/14– Jim Marsh 2/15– Wendy Wade 2/15– Kolbe King 2/16– Erin Robertson 2/18– Debbie Smith 2/19– Stephanie Avant 2/21– Charles Holcomb 2/21– Sophie Clark 2/25– Debbie Allen 2/25– Scooter King 2/26– Nolan Polley
2/26– Elijah King 2/27– Rachel Green 2/27– Kaitlyn Durham 2/28– Jim Cutcher 2/28– Linda Dressler 2/29– Rick Brines Anniversaries 2/5– John & Bernie Hilbrandt (45 yrs) 2/14- Andrew & Kelly Swain (12 yrs) 2/21– Steve & Beverly Aplin (35 yrs) 2/27– Brain & Karen Swab (12 yrs)
S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T
1 Feed the Homeless– 5:45 pm
2 Groundhog Day Erlanger ICU Meal– 10:30 am
3 Grace Place– 6 pm Ultimate Date Night @ Ridgedale Baptist– 7 pm
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