*Friday after the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord*
Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,
This Sunday is
*Septuagesima*
*T** The Sunday in the Vineyard **T*
Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; Matthew 20:1-16 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+17%3A1-7%3B+1+Corinthians+9%3A24-10%3A5%3B+Matthew+20%3A1-16&version=ESV>
*Grace Alone*
*The people of Israel contended with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1–7). They were dissatisfied with His provision. In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matt. 20:1–16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first—those who rely on their own merits—will be last. “For they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:5). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 9:24–10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin.*
*The Season of Pre-Lent*
The liturgical preparation for Easter takes place through four distinct periods or steps: Pre-Lent, Passiontide, and Holy Week. The first is Pre-Lent, also known as the ‘Gesimas’ or ‘Gesimatide’. These three Sundays before Lent are thematic. They mainly focus on the grace of God and examine that grace from three perspectives:
*Septuagesima* (meaning, “about 70 days”)—Grace is undeserved. The collect for this Sunday implores God to graciously hear us, who are justly punished for our sin, so that we may be delivered by His goodness. The goodness of God is emphasized in the parable of the vineyard workers in the day’s Gospel, Matthew 20:1-16. All the laborers receive the reward because of the goodness of the landowner and not because of their own labor or merit. We prepare for Easter by remembering that God is good, and that Christ has borne the heat and burden of the day for us so that we might have that goodness for free.
*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 in the fourth godly habit: *Confession & Absolution.* Join us at 9:30am at Grace.
*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Counter: The Pressnells Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: The Pattersons Greeters: the Howards*
*Ushers: Ron Rooker & Ushers: Terry & 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/fc8eff25-60cd-2981-2cdf-245f03ec4b28/2022_02_13_Septuagesima.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/87a56831-afb0-0fec-5221-1564f7ec224c/2_13_22_News_Notes1.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/d5bf4c59-68df-c0d5-e5dd-995c4b57e3b7/2022_2_13_Septuageisma.pdf> .
*Prayer Requests…*
· For Barney & Linda Bernhardt, former members of Trinity. Linda is beginning hospice care and both have been struggling with serious health issues.
*Coming up this week…*
· *Today:*
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Saturday*:
o *10am-12pm* Concordia Academy Open House, Grace
· *Sunday (2/13): **Septuagesima, Commemoration of Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos*
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 *Joint-Parish Council Mtg., Grace
o *I hear the Superbowl might be on tonight…*
· *Monday: **Commemoration of St. Valentine*
o *9am* Matins, Grace
o *4:30pm *Grace Elders Mtg., Grace
· *Tuesday*: *Commemoration of Philemon & Onesimus*
o *9am* Matins, Grace
o *9:45am *OMT, Grace
o *6:30pm *Grace Council Mtg., Trinity
o *6:30pm *Sisters of Sophia, the Ladder
o *7pm *Trinity Security Council Mtg., Trinity
· *Wednesday*: *Commemoration of Philipp Melanchthon (Birth)*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *4:15pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *5:15pm *Youth Catechesis, Trinity
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Friday: **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
*Looking Ahead…*
· *February 20*: *New Member* – Joining the fellowship of Trinity’s altar next week is Aaron Carter, Amanda’s husband and Rosalind’s father. What a joy! (Someone will need to teach him the secret handshake…)
· *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.
*Other Things…*
· *The Concordia Academy Newsletter* is available! Check out <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/4ce9f241-7dfc-dfcf-7652-c185dd36eb07/2.2022.01.pdf> what’s been going on, where we’re going, and what role catechesis plays in the life of the school.
· *Bierock Fundraiser *– WHAT: Fundraiser to benefit Fairmount Ministries & Coffee Co. COST: $30/dozen. WHEN: Schedule to pick-up your pre-order on the day of your choice between Feb. 21-26. WHERE: Pick-up is at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. For more, see: fairmountministries.org/bierocks
Many blessings and much joy to you all in Christ our life.
-Pastor
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