Trinity Lutheran Church of Wichita

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

***Reminder: Tonight we have a Pre-Call Mtg. with our District President at Grace at 6:30pm. Please be sure to attend!*

This Sunday is
*Palm Sunday **– **Passion Sunday*
John 12:12–19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:1-27:66 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A12%E2%80%9319%3B+Zechariah+9%3A9-12%3B+Philippians+2%3A5-11%3B+Matthew+26%3A1-27%3A66&version=ESV>

*The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory*
*“Behold, your King is coming to you…humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin’s curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).*

*Holy Week Rubrics*
Sunday begins in the narthex, with palm branches in hand, ready to greet Jesus just as the crowds of old. We’ll follow the crucifix in procession while singing “*All Glory, Laud, and Honor*” and lay our palms at the foot of the chancel. Then the focus is directed towards the Passion. At the Passion reading—read by three voices: Jesus, Crowd, Narrator—you may either remain standing, or be seated. One more reminder: in Passiontide the *Gloria Patri* (“glory be to the Father…”) is silenced. You’ll notice this most at the *Nunc Dimittis*.

*Bible Study this Week* is at *Grace*. We’ll look at the readings and rituals of Holy Week. Join us at 9:30am at Grace.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Trinity** Grace*
*Counters: The Lewallens Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: The Smiths Greeters: The Howards*
*Ushers: Derrel Pressnell & Ushers: Terry & Ted*
* Dave Ketteman Altar Guild: The Kennys*
*Altar Guild: Sheryl Anderson *
*Elder: Kendall Patterson*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/4b966ce9-2795-61e3-fdc8-d7a36780fb1a/2022_04_10_Palm_Sunday.pdf>. Meditate on the readings, pray the prayers, and consider what gifts our Lord has for us this week. Also, here are the news/notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/33eb8ea8-563e-26c8-dcd7-ca6275a15447/4_10_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/87ac0b7a-5d65-c3d9-fc3a-d56e04cc36b4/2022_4_10_Palm_Sunday.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For Mary Zwemke, who was moved to St. Anthony’s, a more intentional memory/behavioral care center.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *6:30pm *Joint-Parish Pre-Call Mtg., Grace***
· *Friday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (4/10): **Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
o *3:30pm *Grace Town Hall Mtg., Grace
· *Monday: **Holy Monday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7pm *Compline, Trinity
· *Tuesday: **Holy Tuesday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7pm *Compline, Trinity
· *Wednesday*: *Holy Wednesday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *5pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *6-6:45pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Compline, Trinity
· *Thursday*: *Maundy Thursday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7pm *Compline, Trinity
· *Friday: **Good Friday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *12pm *Chief Divine Service, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Tenebrae Vespers, Trinity
· *Saturday: **Holy Saturday*
o *9:30am *LWML Ladies Guild Mtg., Trinity
o *8pm *Easter Vigil, Trinity
· *Sunday (4/17): **The Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Easter Brunch, Trinity **signup sheets in Narthex*
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *April 10*: Grace Town Hall Meeting – On Sunday, April 10th at 3:30pm Grace members will gather for a discussion on the needs of the church and what to do in the days ahead.
· *April 18, 19, 20*: Easter Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Divine Services – Join us at 9am on Monday and Tuesday, and at 11am at Grace to celebrate the days immediately following the resurrection!
· *April 19*: OMT: Theological Reading Group – We’ll discuss Fyodor Dostoevsky’s *Notes from Underground*.
· *April 20*: Youth Catechesis resumes! At 5:15pm we start with dinner, then class, then evening prayer, all at Trinity.
· *April 24*: Semi-Annual and Quarterly Voters’ Mtg. at both Grace (9:30am) & Trinity (12:30pm).
· *April 30*: Lutheran Lecture Series XXVI – We’re thrilled to have the Rev. Dr. Andrew Das joining us for our 26th annual Lutheran Lecture Series here at Grace. Click here for more details <gracelutheranchurch-wichita.org/LutheranLectureSeries2022.html>.

*Other Things…*
· *International Lutheran Response to Ukraine*: A number of folks have asked how they might help with relief aid for Ukraine, or what involvement our sister churches have with the present suffering. Here is an update <ilc-online.org/2022/03/25/mercy-in-mission-aid-for-ukraine/> from the International Lutheran Council (ILC), of which the LCMS is a member church.
· *Call Committee: *Each congregation designates its Board of Elders as the call committee for the congregation but does not *limit* the committee to the Elders. Should anyone desire to serve on this committee for either congregation, please contact Curt Engelbrecht or Bob Petersen.
· *KS District Looking for Communications Specialist*: A position description can be viewed here <kslcms.org/about-us/communications/> .
· *Another Round of The Plucked Chicken Podcast <thepluckedchicken.com/wordpress/i-surrender-all-i-mean-some/>*…
· *Update on Concordia Academy-Wichita! *
o *New Facility: *Due to the water damage from our improperly repaired roof at Grace, together with my pending departure, Concordia Academy is moving our campus to Immanuel Lutheran (909 S Market St.). Immanuel has a large and secure building featuring numerous classrooms, a gym with a stage, a choir/music room, and much more. We are grateful to Immanuel for hosting us, and to Grace for the use of their facilities and support thus far.
o *Open Enrollment: *Please spread the word about our open enrollment and LARGE tuition grants at Concordia Academy. You can find the enrollment application here <www.concordiaacademywichita.org/uploads/1/3/1/6/131611242/application_form.pdf> .

Many blessings and much joy to you all in Christ our life.
-Pastor

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*Jubilate **– the 5th Sunday in Lent*
*T** The Sunday of the Passion** T*
Genesis 22:1–14; Hebrews 9:11–15; John 8:42-59 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22%3A1%E2%80%9314%3B+Hebrews+9%3A11%E2%80%9315%3B+John+8%3A42-59&version=ESV>

*Jesus Is Our Redemption*
*In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death’s sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross.*

*What Changes This Week?* This Sunday begins *Passiontide*, the last two weeks of the Lenten Season. Two notable changes will be seen and heard. First, the crosses are veiled, commemorating the last line from the appointed Gospel reading: “*but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple*” (John 8:59). Second, the *Gloria Patri *is dropped. During the Divine Service you’ll notice this at the Introit, as well as—and more abruptly—during the *Nunc Dimittis*. For those attending Matins next week, it will become very apparent!

*Bible Study this Week* is at *Grace*. We’ll discuss the eighth Godly habit of piety: Remembering Death and the Day of Judgment. These habits come from the book *Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey by Rev. William Weedon <www.cph.org/p-31340-thank-praise-serve-and-obey-recover-the-joys-of-piety.aspx>*. Join us at 9:30am at Grace.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Trinity** Grace*
*Counters: The Lewallens Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: The Smiths Greeters: The Kennys*
*Ushers: Derrel Pressnell & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Dave Ketteman Altar Guild: The Kennys*
*Altar Guild: Sheryl Anderson *
*Elder: Kendall Patterson*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/3bfaa243-afb3-a195-86f6-65af353c566a/2022_04_03_The_Fifth_Sunday_in_Lent_Judica.pdf>. Meditate on the readings, pray the prayers, and consider what gifts our Lord has for us this week. Also, here are the news/notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/f814f317-9b85-80fc-559d-37c3febd9fb2/4_3_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/fb725243-cb86-5be9-bb8e-36a25e7711d7/2022_4_3_Fifth_Sunday_in_Lent.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For Roger Zwemke, who is hospitalized with pneumonia.
· For LaVelle Haefner, whose hemoglobin is dangerously low.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today: *
o *No Matins*
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Saturday: *
o *9am – 12pm *Trinity Spring Cleanup, Trinity **please bring buckets and rags for cleaning*
· *Sunday (4/3): **Judica *Passiontide begins*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace *
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Monday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday: *
o *No Matins – Pastor’s Winkel*
o *5:15pm *Lord’s Diner
o *7pm *Trinity Council Mtg., Trinity
· *Wednesday*: *Commemoration of Lucas Cranach & Albrecht Duerer <concordiaandkoinonia.wordpress.com/2020/04/06/the-commemoration-of-lucas-cranach-and-albrecht-durer-artists-6-april/>*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *5pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *5:30pm *Lenten Meal, Trinity
o *6-6:45pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Lenten Vespers (Holy Communion), Trinity
· *Thursday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *6:30pm *Joint-Parish Pre-Call Mtg., Grace***
· *Friday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (4/10): **Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
o *3:30pm *Grace Town Hall Mtg., Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *April 7*: Pre-Call Meeting – President Panzer would like to meet with both congregations together to discuss the process for calling the next pastor. The elders have tentatively chosen Thursday, April 7 at 6:30pm at Grace. Please put it on the calendar. If the date or time changes, I’ll make that known.
· *April 10*: Grace Town Hall Meeting – On Sunday, April 10th at 3:30pm Grace members will gather for a discussion on the needs of the church and what to do in the days ahead.
· *April 30*: Lutheran Lecture Series XXVI – We’re thrilled to have the Rev. Dr. Andrew Das joining us for our 26th annual Lutheran Lecture Series here at Grace. More details to follow, but please save the date and mark your calendar.

*Other Things…*
· *April Newsletters Are Ready!* This month we take a look at the Eucharistic Prayer. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is that I force myself to just one page…so much more can be said on this. Please read, reflect, and ask questions! Here’s the Grace Notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/7e117572-fc7a-6026-749d-55f4a99a0609/April_Grace_Notes_2022.pdf> and Trinity’s Torch <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/8525245e-a3a1-a69b-9f6b-45b74aba4c55/April_Torch_2022.pdf>. Also, here’s the Calendar <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/874a2c9c-a2fe-e20c-666d-5a87436d2c3c/April_2022_Calendar.pdf>.
· *Finnish Bishop Juhana Pohjola* of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, who were charged for hate crimes due to their biblical stance on human sexuality are now acquitted! See more here <ilc-online.org/2022/03/30/christianity-on-trial-finnish-bishop-and-politician-acquitted-on-all-charges/> .
· *KS District Looking for Communications Specialist*: A position description can be viewed here <kslcms.org/about-us/communications/> .
· *Concordia Academy-Wichita Open Enrollment: *please spread the word about our open enrollment and LARGE tuition grants at Concordia Academy. You can find the enrollment application here <www.concordiaacademywichita.org/uploads/1/3/1/6/131611242/application_form.pdf> .

Many blessings and much joy to you all in Christ our life.
-Pastor

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

*Tomorrow* is
*T** The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord** T*
Join us in the celebration of a Divine Liturgy at Trinity at 7pm.

This Sunday is
*Laetare **– the 4th Sunday in Lent*
*T** The Sunday of the Feeding of the Five Thousand** T*
Exodus 16:2-21; Galatians 4:21-31; John 6:1-15 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+16%3A2-21%3B+Galatians+4%3A21-31%3B+John+6%3A1-15&version=ESV>

*The Lord Feeds His People*
*The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:2–21). Now He who is Himself the living bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the five thousand (John 6:1–15). This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude had followed Jesus across the sea, and when He went up on a mountain. Seen in this way, Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise (Gal. 4:21–31). Five loaves become twelve baskets—that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the bread of life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers (Acts 2:41–47). So it is that God’s people “shall not hunger or thirst” (Is. 49:8–13). For He abundantly provides for us in both body and soul.*

*Bible Study this Week* is at Trinity. We’ll discuss the sixth Godly habit of piety: Confessing Christ*.* Join us at 9:30am at Trinity.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Trinity** Grace*
*Counters: The Lewallens Counters: Jennifer*
*Greeters: Minda Shultz Greeters: The Unruhs*
*Ushers: Dave Ketteman & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Dave Norris Altar Guild: The Nickels*
*Altar Guild: The Wortzes *
*Elder: Keith Buhr*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/fa41231e-3f1a-97e3-b5de-ead4eaec500c/2022_03_27_The_Fourth_Sunday_in_Lent_Laetare_DS.pdf>. Meditate on the readings, pray the prayers, and consider what gifts our Lord has for us this week. Also, here are the news/notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/6f8ce151-209b-00e6-d6de-264513bf450c/3_27_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/13b2602a-5985-57b8-e570-cac1c39bd59c/2022_3_27_Fourth_Sunday_in_Lent.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For Melissa Spierling and family, mourning the death of her mother, Charmaine Powell (*daughter of Al Gene & Ruth Ann Meyer*).
· For Ana Bracamontes, one of our elderly members in the Spanish service, who is suffering from liver stones.
· For Tammy, Nancy Metzger’s friend, who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
· For Irma Quade, who is now recovering at the rehabilitation center at Waterfront
· For Melissa Cohlmia, Mary Hubbard’s cousin, who will drive to the Cleveland Clinic later this month for tests and evaluations before heart surgery on March 25.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7:30pm *Hall of Men, the Ladder * *I’m presenting Nikolaus von Amsdorf*
· *Friday: **Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Festal Divine Service, Trinity
· *Sunday (3/27): **Laetare*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
o *3:30pm *Elders’ Book Study, Grace
· *Monday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:45am *OMT, Grace * *we’re reading St. Anselm, Why God Became Man*
· *Wednesday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *5pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *5:30pm *Lenten Meal, Trinity
o *6-6:45pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Lenten Vespers (Holy Baptism), Trinity
· *Thursday*: *Commemoration of Joseph, Patriarch*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Friday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (4/3): **Judica *Passiontide begins*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace *
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *March 29*: OMT: Theological Reading Group – We’ll be reading and discussing Anselm of Canterbury’s famous work, *Why God Became Man*. You can grab a copy at Eighth Day Books. We meet at Grace; Matins starts at 9am, discussion follows, then lunch. Join us!
· *April 7*: Pre-Call Meeting – President Panzer would like to meet with both congregations together to discuss the process for calling the next pastor. The elders have tentatively chosen Thursday, April 7 at 6:30pm at Grace. Please put it on the calendar. If the date or time changes, I’ll make that known.
· *April 10*: Grace Town Hall Meeting – On Sunday, April 10th at 3:30pm Grace members will gather for a discussion on the needs of the church and what to do in the days ahead.
· *April 30*: Lutheran Lecture Series XXVI – We’re thrilled to have the Rev. Dr. Andrew Das joining us for our 27th annual Lutheran Lecture Series here at Grace. More details to follow, but please save the date and mark your calendar.

*Other Things…*
· *The Decision to Accept the Call to the Seminary* was announced last week. For those who may not have heard, we intend to accept the call when it “officially” comes in mid-May. Our last Sunday will be June 12. Please keep us, the Seminary, and these congregations in your prayers.
· *Amy Fox has to move out of her home*. If anyone is willing to help her pack just a few personal belongings and her clothing on Monday, April 4 around noon, please let me know.
· *Concordia Academy-Wichita Open Enrollment: *please spread the word about our open enrollment and LARGE tuition grants at Concordia Academy. You can find the enrollment application here <www.concordiaacademywichita.org/uploads/1/3/1/6/131611242/application_form.pdf> .

Many blessings and much joy to you all in Christ our life.
-Pastor