Trinity Lutheran Church of Wichita

4 March 2022
*Friday after Ash Wednesday*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*Invocabit** – the 1st Sunday in Lent*
*T** The Sunday of the Temptation **T*
Genesis 3:1-21; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Matthew 4:1-11 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A1-21%3B+2+Corinthians+6%3A1-10%3B+Matthew+4%3A1-11&version=ESV>

*Jesus Does Battle in our Place*
*In the Garden, man exalts himself to be a god in place of God (Gen. 3:1–21). He succumbs to the temptation of the devil, and eating of the forbidden fruit, he receives death. But in the sin-cursed wilderness, God humbles Himself to become man in place of man (Mt. 4:1–11). He does not eat but fasts and bears the onslaughts of the devil for us that we may be restored to life. Jesus stands as David in our place to do battle against the Goliath, Satan (1 Samuel 17:40–51). Though outwardly Jesus appears weak, yet He comes in the name of the Lord of hosts. He draws from the five smooth stones of the books of Moses and slings the Word of God. The stone sinks into the forehead, and the enemy falls. In Christ we are victorious over the devil. Let us therefore not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1–10), but seeing that we have a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need (Heb 4:14–16).*

*Bible Study this Week* is at Trinity. We’ll discuss the piety of the Lenten season*.* Join us at 9:30am at Trinity.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Counters: The Lewallens Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: Minda Shultz Greeters: The Kennys*
*Ushers: Dave Ketteman & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Derrel Pressnell 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/4cc7e2a3-b7d5-2841-23c3-358e4a922384/2022_03_06_The_First_Sunday_in_Lent_Invocabit.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/9dafa200-09fd-0436-c5c5-8926d77c8897/3_6_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/55a4d289-708e-5918-4cb8-ebd439935175/2022_3_6_First_Sunday_in_Lent_Invocabit.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For me and my family. I have been asked to prayerfully consider a call to serve as a professor at Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne for this upcoming school year. This is, as you may expect, incredibly difficult. I ask for your prayers as well as any counsel you may have to offer. I would love to meet with you and hear from you.
· For Debra Rodgers, the mother-in-law of Donna Lehane’s youngest son, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
· The people of Ukraine (here’s an article about our Synod’s involvement <reporter.lcms.org/2022/the-list-changes-daily-help-for-ukraine/>)
· For Rev. Dr. Gregory Schulz <www.lutheranphilosopher.com/>, a professor at Concordia University-Wisconsin, recently suspended from teaching for his published concerns over the “Woke-ism <www.cc.lutherclassical.org/summer-2021/wokism/>” infiltrating the university. You can read the article here <christiannewsmissouri.com/2022/02/15/woke-dysphoria-at-concordia/>, listen to a conversation with him about it here <www.gottesdienst.org/podcast/2022/3/1/tgc-172-called-to-defend>, and sign a pledge in support of the pastor here <chng.it/gJVRMKdfmP>. Above all, please pray for him and his family, along with the university, its faculty and students, and that the Church of God would live its life in repentance and faith in the Gospel.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Sunday (3/6): **Invocabit*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity **with safety/security drill*
o *12:15pm *Ordination Anniversary Celebration for Pr. Metzger, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Monday: **Commemoration of Perpetua & Felicitas, Martyrs*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7pm *Trinity Council Mtg., Trinity
· *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 (the Creed), Trinity
· *Thursday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7:30pm *Hall of Men, the Ladder
· *Friday: **Anniversary of Pr. Metzger’s Installation at Grace & Trinity (2018)*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (3/13): **Reminiscere (Daylight Savings!)*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *March 6*: *Pr.* *Metzger Ordination Anniversary Celebration – *Following the 11am service at Trinity, we will honor Pr. Metzger’s 30 years in the Holy Ministry with a luncheon. Please join us! (His actual anniversary is March 3)
o Also on the 6th at Trinity we’ll have our annual security fire & tornado explanation and drill.
· *March 12: All Day Prayer Vigil* – Immanuel Lutheran Church (909 S Market St) is inviting all the area Lutherans to join them in their All-Day Prayer Vigil on March 12th. This is a come-and-go vigil, set between the hours of 8am (beginning with Matins) and ending at 8pm (with Compline). No need to sign up, just show up. Volunteers at Immanuel will be there to greet you and help those unfamiliar with the Prayer Vigil, providing “Prayer Helps” including a helpful walk-through of the LSB in the use of prayer. Deaconess Suzanne of Immanuel will also be available to help and pray with anyone who would like to pray with someone or have someone pray for them. If you have any question, please call Deaconess Suzanne at 316-617-4092.
· *March 18-19*: *EDI Saint Patrick Feast – *The 14th Annual St. Pat’s Feast <eighthdayinstitute.salsalabs.org/2022feastofstpatrick/index.html> will include additional lectures and a calligraphy workshop with Rev. Dr. Gabriel Rochelle! Sign up now!
· *March 20-22: Society of St. Polycarp Retreat* – Every third Sunday of Lent (Oculi) the KS Chapter of the SSP meets for a retreat at Immanuel for study, prayer, silent reflection, and fellowship. While the retreat is for members of the society, it is open to anyone interested to participate. Look for the schedule next week. Our study this year will focus on the Magdeburg Confession. Resources for our discussion can be found here <magdeburgconfession.com/mag/> and here .

*Other Things…*
· *March’s Newsletters Are Finally Here! *Here’s Grace’s *Grace Notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/8a0a6e1d-decb-aa8c-a5c5-f904db84a4d9/March_Grace_Notes_2022.pdf>* and Trinity’s *Torch <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/ffb751bd-fbf5-a4f2-8a36-a8337331b690/March_Torch_2022.pdf> *along with this month’s Calendar <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/ad56fc86-faf0-c252-bb93-8957791de8f5/March_2022_Calendar.pdf> .
· *Our Missionary Newsletter* from the Conrads is here <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/6d1b6d77-135b-660e-5831-64713bad6571/NewsletterJan22Feb22.pdf>, too!
· *Lenten Litany:* Every day in Matins we pray this Litany <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/90297191-16d3-1d42-4bca-0ba1f5cec8cd/Lenten_Litany_for_Matins.01.pdf>. I encourage you to print it off, use it at home, or, if the chanting is too difficult, open your hymnal to LSB 288-289.
· *Updated Daily Prayer List* is available here <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/82f8887d-0bb8-8fd9-de28-387db1011da9/Daily_Prayer_List.pdf> !
· *Cune (Concordia University-Nebraska) A Cappella Choir *(including Neal Patron) will perform a concert at Holy Cross here in Wichita this Saturday evening (3/5) at 7:30pm. They’ll also sing during the Sunday services at Holy Cross at 8am and 11am.
· *Concordia Academy-Wichita Open Enrollment: *Finally, 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

25 February 2022
*Friday of Sexagesima*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*Quinquagesima*
*T** The Sunday on the Way to Jerusalem **T*
1 Samuel 16:1-13; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 18:31-43 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+16%3A1-13%3B+1+Corinthians+13%3A1-13%3B+Luke+18%3A31-43&version=ESV>

*Faith Alone*
*The seeing are blind, while the one who is blind can see (Luke 18:31–43). Jesus tells the twelve that He is going up to Jerusalem to suffer and die and rise again, but they cannot understand or grasp what He is saying. The meaning of His words is hidden from their sight. However, as Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Him for mercy. This blind man sees that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, for he calls Him “Son of David.” Indeed, Jesus is the Lord’s anointed, the keeper of sheep (1 Sam. 16:1–13) who goes to lay down His life for the sheep. He is the incarnate love of the Father who suffers long and is kind, who is not puffed up, who never fails us (1 Cor. 13:1–13). Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Is. 35:3–7) to see Him not according to outward appearances of lowliness, but according to His heart of mercy and compassion. Those who behold Him thus by faith follow Him to the cross through death into life.*

*Quinquagesima* (meaning, “about 50 days”)—Grace is not easily understood. On the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, we hear in the Gospel, Luke 18:34, Jesus predict His passion, death, and resurrection. We also hear that the disciples “*understood none of these things; and this saying was hidden from them, neither did they know the things which were spoken.*” We pray, then, that God would be gracious and patient with us and grant faith and understanding to us despite our many sins.

*Bible Study this Week* is at Grace. We’ll have a special presentation by Kansans For Life (KFL) on the Value Them Both amendment and what we can do to bring greater awareness and understanding to the importance of this amendment for life*.* Join us at 9:30am at Grace.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Counter: The Pressnells Counters: Jennifer Reyes*
*Greeters: The Pattersons Greeters: The Unruhs*
*Ushers: Ron Rooker & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Dave Norris Altar Guild: The Browns*
*Altar Guild: The Pattersons *
*Elder: Scott Smith*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/4b5f8e7c-3073-e0fb-a299-197586e57fd6/2022_02_27_Quinquagesima.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/fc3cb099-39b6-df32-837e-6ef6e8b281bf/2_27_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/a3b9853b-03fa-cb68-9b5b-03edc42ad037/2022_2_27_Quinquagesima.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· *None for this week*

*Coming up this week…*
· *Sunday (2/27): **Quinquagesima*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace **KFL Presentation on Value them Both*
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Tuesday: **30th Anniversary of Pr. Metzger’s Ordination*
· *Wednesday*: *Ash Wednesday*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Ash Wednesday Divine Service, Grace
o *4:15pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *6-6:45pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
o *7pm *Ash Wednesday Divine Service, Trinity
· *Thursday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Friday:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (3/6): **Invocabit*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *12:15pm *Ordination Anniversary Celebration for Pr. Metzger, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *March 2*: *Ash Wednesday* – Our Lenten journey of spiritual discipline and catechetical formation begins!
o *Fasting*: here’s a helpful handout on fasting <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/4ad9371b-f859-4602-8a20-4517747910a2/Fasting_brochure.docx> with loads of Scripture explaining some of the thought behind this historic and beneficial practice.
o *Prayer*: of course, we always pray; however, there is an increased devotion to prayer during Lent, which is why we offer Wednesday evening Vespers services at Trinity at 7pm. I’d also invite you to join us for Matins daily at Grace at 9am. During Lent we use this litany <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/c242aae3-7b82-4eb0-b583-d32a4ff4d5d2/Lenten_Litany_for_Matins.pdf>, which you might enjoy making use of at home.
o *Almsgiving*: an increase in generosity during this season—especially for the poor—is an excellent way to prepare ourselves for the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Our midweek offerings will support our Seminarian, Kyle Nelson.
o *Confession & Absolution*: while we confess our sins in a general way every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, as well as at the beginning of each of our Sunday liturgies, there is also the gift of Private (Individual) Confession and Absolution. This is offered every Friday from 4-5pm as well as on Wednesdays at Trinity from 6-6:45pm.
o Also, our Lenten custom is to have a light meal prior to our Wednesday night Vespers services. These meals will be at Trinity at 5:30pm.
· *March 6*: *Pr.* *Metzger Ordination Anniversary Celebration – *Following the 11am service at Trinity, we will honor Pr. Metzger’s 30 years in the Holy Ministry with a luncheon. Please join us! (His actual anniversary is March 3)
o Also on the 6th at Trinity we’ll have our annual security fire & tornado explanation and drill.
· *March 18-19*: *EDI Saint Patrick Feast – *The 14th Annual St. Pat’s Feast <eighthdayinstitute.salsalabs.org/2022feastofstpatrick/index.html> will include additional lectures and a calligraphy workshop with Rev. Dr. Gabriel Rochelle! Sign up now!
· *March 20-22: Society of St. Polycarp Retreat* – Every third Sunday of Lent (Oculi) the KS Chapter of the SSP meets for a retreat at Immanuel for study, prayer, silent reflection, and fellowship. While the retreat is for members of the society, it is open to anyone interested to participate. Look for the schedule next week. Our study this year will focus on the Magdeburg Confession. Resources for our discussion can be found here <magdeburgconfession.com/mag/> and here .

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

18 February 2022
*Commemoration of Blessed Martin Luther*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*Sexagesima*
*T** The Sunday of the Sower **T*
Isaiah 55:10-13; 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9; Luke 8:4-15 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A10-13%3B+2+Corinthians+11%3A19-12%3A9%3B+Luke+8%3A4-15&version=ESV>

*Scripture Alone*
*The Sower sows the seed of His Word (Luke 8:4–15). This Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of Christ is attacked by the devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan snatches the Word away from hard hearts. The riches and pleasures of this life choke off faith. Shallow and emotional belief withers in time of temptation and trouble. But see how Christ bears this attack for us! Christ’s cross was planted in the hard and rocky soil of Golgotha. A crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Satan and His demons hellishly hounded and devoured Him. Yet, through His dying and rising again, He destroyed these enemies of ours. Jesus is Himself the Seed which fell to the ground and died in order that it might sprout forth to new life and produce much grain. In Him, the weak are strong (2 Cor. 11:19–12:9). He is the Word of the Father which does not return void (Is. 55:10–13) but yields a harvest hundredfold.*

*Sexagesima* (meaning, “about 60 days”)—Grace is passively received. In the collect for this Sunday we pray that God would see that we put not our trust in anything that we do and that He would mercifully defend us by His power. The parable of the sower is read as the Gospel from Luke 8:4-15. The seed of God’s Word is passively received. It transforms bad soil into good and noble hearts. We pray that this would happen also to us and for us.

*Bible Study this Week* is at Grace. We’ll continue our discussion of Christian piety as rooted in the Word of God. This week we’re still in the fourth godly habit: *Confession & Absolution.* Join us at 9:30am at Grace.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Counter: The Pressnells Counters: Jeanette*
*Greeters: The Pattersons Greeters: The Petersens*
*Ushers: Ron Rooker & Ushers: Cory & Ted*
* Dave Norris Altar Guild: The Browns*
*Altar Guild: The Pattersons *
*Elder: Scott Smith*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/ea5e82ce-cac4-4b7a-f87e-2df62bdec4d4/2022_02_20_Sexagesima.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/b2241fb2-79e3-29ff-3910-3ebc0bc4d9e0/2_20_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/903ce4e6-96be-387c-7af3-fb0bc50fa011/2022_2_20_Sexagesima.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· *None for this week*

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today: **Commemoration of Martin Luther*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (2/20): **Sexagesima*
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 *Elders Book Study, Grace
· *Monday – Friday: *
o *No Matins this week*
· *Wednesday*: *Commemoration of St. Polycarp*
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday*:
o *7:30pm *Hall of Men, the Ladder
· *Sunday (2/27): **Quinquagesima*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace **KFL Presentation on Value them Both*
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *February 21*-*28: Vacation – *The family and I will be out of town. If any pastoral needs arise, please contact Pr. Metzger.
· *March 2*: *Ash Wednesday* – Our Lenten journey of spiritual discipline and catechetical formation begins!
· *March 6*: *Pr.* *Metzger Ordination Anniversary Celebration – *Following the 11am service at Trinity, we will honor Pr. Metzger’s 30 years in the Holy Ministry with a luncheon. Please join us! (His actual anniversary is March 3)
o Also on the 6th at Trinity we’ll have our annual security fire & tornado explanation and drill.
· *March 9*: *Private Absolution & Midweek Lenten Meals Begin* – Every Wednesday during Lent we’ll gather at Trinity for a Vespers service at 7pm. Beforehand, from 5:30-6:45pm we’ll offer a light supper. Also, from 6-6:45pm I’ll hear confession in the Sanctuary.

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