Trinity Lutheran Church of Wichita

21 January 2022
*Friday of the Second Sunday following the Epiphany of the Lord*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*The Third Sunday after the Epiphany*
2 Kings 5:1-15a; Romans 12:16-21; Matthew 8:1-13 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+5%3A1-15a%3B+Romans+12%3A16-21%3B+Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=ESV>

*Jesus Came for Gentiles, Too*
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile (Rom. 1:8–17). Even in the Old Testament, the Gentiles were beneficiaries of God’s saving power. Though unimpressed at first with the Word of God, a Syrian commander is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:1–15a). Evil is overcome by good (Rom 12:16–21). So also in the New Testament, a Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord (Matt. 8:1–13). All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. For the last shall be first, and the first last. Apart from faith in Christ, there is no salvation—not even for a Jew—but only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

*Bible Study this Week* is at Trinity. We’ll continue our discussion of Christian piety as rooted in the Word of God. This week we’re in the third godly habit: *Frequent and Faithful Reception of the Holy Eucharist.* Join us at 9:30am at Trinity.

**Grace Voters’ Meeting* during the Bible Study hour at Grace. Please be sure to join us!

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Counter: David Ketteman Counters: Jennifer*
*Greeters: the Lewallens Greeters: the Unruhs*
*Ushers: Sheryl Anderson & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Keith Buhr Altar Guild: the Unruhs*
*Altar Guild: the Lessmans *
*Elder: Scott Irwin*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/b1cecd8e-2a5a-bcd3-c689-6bbbd36cb599/2022_01_23_The_Third_Sunday_after_Epiphany_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/8cd133c5-02bb-2240-7623-e62ce7c77a22/1_23_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/85cc886b-d58a-3cd3-0cff-1bafc99065bb/2022_1_23_The_Third_Sunday_After_the_Epiphany.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For Vicki Lessman, who recovers from her surgery.
· For Kendall Patterson, who tested positive for Covid this week.
· For Riggs, the two-year-old great grandson of Les & Judy Howard, who broke his leg on Monday.
· For Betty Setzkorn, Sheryl Anderson’s 91-year-old cousin, who had back surgery yesterday.
· For the family of Dick Borchard, who fell asleep in Christ last Sunday. His memorial service will be held today at 3:30pm at Holy Cross. Dick was once a member of Trinity and well-known to many of us. You can see his obituary here <www.cozine.com/obituary/Richard-Borchard>.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Sunday (1/23): **The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Grace Voters’ Mtg., Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *6pm *KS District Pastors’ Pre-Lent Retreat
· *Tuesday*: *The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul*
o *9:30am-2:45pm* KS District Life Conference and March for Life in Topeka
o *4:30pm *Grace Elders’ Mtg., Grace
· *Wednesday*: *Feast of St. Titus*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am **Festal Divine Service, Grace
o *4:15pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *5:15pm *Youth Catechesis, Trinity
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday*: *Commemoration of St. John Chrysostom*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7:30pm *Hall of Men, the Ladder **on Dietrich Bonhoeffer*
· *Friday:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (1/30): **The 4th Sunday after the Epiphany*
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 **we’re starting Rod Dreher’s Live Not By Lies*

*Looking Ahead…*
· *Jan 23: Grace Voters’ Meeting *– Grace holds quarterly voters’ meetings and the first is this month. Please join us immediately following service in Mueller Hall. One of the pastors will still teach Bible Study at Trinity.
· *Jan 25*: *Life Conference & March for Life* – Join us in Topeka at St. John Lutheran Church for Matins at 9:30am, followed by a presentation by Rev. Dr. James Lamb of Lutheran Family Service, then lunch and the march, which ends at the Capitol building with a rally at 12:15pm. Finally, there will be a presentation by Deaconess Tiffany Manor of LCMS Life Ministry at 1:45pm.
· *Jan 30: New Elders Book Study *– The elders of Grace & Trinity meet monthly to read and discuss a book. This month we begin Rod Dreher’s *Live Not By Lies*. This study is open to all, laid back, and requires no preparation. We’ll meet at Grace on Jan 30th at 3:30pm. I have books that I’ll make available for $15 each. Join us!
· *Feb 2*: *Feast of the Purification of Mary & Presentation of Jesus* – During our Wednesday 11am Divine Service we’ll celebrate this feast, sometimes called “Candlemas,” which commemorates the 40th day after Christmas and the fulfillment of Leviticus 12.

*Other Things…*
· *CTSFW Symposium* – I’m returning to Wichita today after spending the week in Fort Wayne at the annual Seminary symposia series. It has been a wonderful opportunity to listen again to the professors and be challenged in how we think about the body theologically. This paper by Professor Adam Koontz <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/c226735f-2941-75aa-5253-0d56172bbe17/Koontz_Symposia_2022_paper.docx> is particularly challenging and strongly commended to you.
· *Senior Moments Newsletter *– Here’s the latest older adult ministry newsletter <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/c64b560f-6ebd-24c1-335f-a3d7561d096f/Senior_Moments_District_Newsletter_Winter_2022_1_.pdf> with an opening article by our own Rev. Cliff Winter. Enjoy!

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

6 January 2022
*The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

*Happy Epiphany!*

*Join us this evening* as we gather to celebrate the *Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/9e346302-4f36-ed81-fd81-a806efaa185a/2022_01_06_Feast_of_the_Epiphany_of_Our_Lord.pdf> *at *Trinity at 6:00pm*. After the service, we’ll continue the celebration with a children’s (self-directed!) Christmas Pageant. Then there will be plenty of snacks and drinks—all downstairs at Trinity.

This Sunday is
*The First Sunday after the Epiphany*
1 Kings 8:6-13; Romans 12:1-5; Luke 2:41-52 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+8%3A6-13%3B+Romans+12%3A1-5%3B+Luke+2%3A41-52&version=ESV>

*The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple in the Boy Jesus*
In the days of Solomon, the Lord dwelt among His people in the temple. The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord in the form of a cloud (1 Kings 8:6–13). Now Jesus, who is the glory of the Lord in the flesh, enters the temple to show that He Himself is the everlasting temple and dwelling place of God (Lk 2:41–52). Our young Lord, true man, subject to Mary and Joseph, reveals Himself also to be true God, whose father is not Joseph but the Almighty Father in heaven. Jesus does this at the time of the Passover. For He came to be the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Even as He was found by His parents after three days, so He would later rise from the dead on the third day that the favor of God might rest also upon us. It is by these mercies of God that we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God through Christ (Rom 12:1–5).

*Bible Study this Week* is at Trinity. We’ll continue our discussion of Christian piety as rooted in the Word of God. This week we’re starting the third godly habit: *Frequent and Faithful Reception of the Holy Eucharist.* Join us at 9:30am at Trinity.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Trinity** Grace*
*Counter: David Ketteman Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: the Lewallens Greeters: the Howards*
*Ushers: Sheryl Anderson & Ushers: Terry & Ted*
* Keith Buhr Altar Guild: the Unruhs*
*Altar Guild: the Lessmans *
*Elder: Scott Irwin*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/0404bb4b-bf60-34da-bec2-09affac52e4d/2022_01_09_Epiphany_1.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/bc408546-2e41-b5aa-2205-796e71ceb39b/1_9_22_News_Notes.01.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/b986e884-e751-1ba8-dd93-0bb277b0a746/2022_1_9_The_First_Sunday_After_the_Epiphany.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For all those who are sick or recovering from COVID.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today: **Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *6pm *Festal Divine Service, Trinity
· *Friday:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Saturday: *
o *9am *Church De-Decorating, Grace/Trinity
· *Sunday (1/9/22): **The 1st Sunday after the Epiphany*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *1pm *Spanish Meal & Catechesis, Grace
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Monday*: *Commemoration of **Cappadocian Fathers*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday: **Anniversary of Grace Lutheran Church (1953)*
o *9am *OMT & Matins, Grace
· *Wednesday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *4:15pm *Youth Handbell Practice, Trinity
o *5:15pm *Youth Catechesis, Trinity
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday: **Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7pm *Festal Divine Service, Grace
o *8pm *Eighth Day Books Open House
· *Friday:*
o *10am-3pm *EDI Symposium, St. George Cathedral
o *6pm *EDI Symposium Banquet, St. George Cathedral
· *Saturday: *
o *9:30am *LWML, Trinity
o *9am-4pm* EDI Symposium, St. George Cathedral
· *Sunday (1/16): **The 2st Sunday after the Epiphany*
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 *Joint-Parish Council Mtg., Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *Jan 11: OMT* – We’re moving OMT a week early this month. We’ll discuss John Kleinig’s *Wonderfully Made*. Join us at Grace at 9am!
· *Jan 13: Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord* – In years past, we’ve simply moved this feast to the Sunday following the Epiphany. This year we’re going to hold the feast on its traditional day. Join us for a *Divine Service at Grace at 7pm*.
· *Jan 14-15: EDI Symposium (St. George Orthodox Cathedral)* – Speakers: Rod Dreher, Carl Trueman, and Jennifer Roback-Morse. Friday runs from 10am – 3pm; Saturday from 9am – 4pm. Register now. <www.eighthdayinstitute.org/eighth-day-symposium-2022> If you’d like to attend the banquet on Friday night (6-9pm), register for that as well, but let me know. I’ll try to designate a couple “Lutheran Tables” for us. The banquet is a great taste (pun intended!) of what EDI is all about.
· *Jan 30: New Elders Book Study *– The elders of Grace & Trinity meet monthly to read and discuss a book. This month we begin Rod Dreher’s *Live Not By Lies*. This study is open to all, laid back, and requires no preparation. We’ll meet at Grace on Jan 30th at 3:30pm. I have books that I’ll make available for $15 each. Join us!

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

31 December 2021
*Eve of the Circumcision and Naming of Our Lord*

Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

*Merry Christmas!*
We’re still celebrating the 12 days of the Nativity season!

***This evening* we’ll gather to celebrate the *Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus* at *Grace at 5:30pm*. Join us!
This Sunday is
*The Second Sunday of Christmas*
Genesis 46:1-7; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Matthew 2:13-23 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+46%3A1-7%3B+1+Peter+4%3A12-19%3B+Matthew+2%3A13-23&version=ESV>

*Jesus Is the Perfect Israel*
Israel and all his family went and dwelt in Egypt (Gen. 46:1–7). God made a great nation of him there, but that nation would prove unfaithful to the Lord. Therefore, the New Israel came. In fleeing the murderous Herod, our young Lord goes to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–23), that the prophecy might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my Son” (Hos. 11:1). Jesus brings to perfection what old Israel could not. He is the faithful Israel, the embodiment of the people of God. He offers His perfect and holy life in place of our own. He submits Himself to persecution and suffering in order to save us. Therefore, we should not think it strange when we who are in Christ experience trials because of the faith (1 Pet. 4:12–19). Rather, we rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory.

*Bible Study this Week* is at Trinity this month and we’ll continue our discussion of Christian piety as rooted in the Word of God. Join us at 9:30am at Trinity.

*Those Serving* *at Grace & Trinity today…*
*Trinity** Grace*
*Counter: David Ketteman Counters: Tom & Sandy*
*Greeters: the Smiths Greeters: the Kennys*
*Ushers: Sheryl Anderson & Ushers: Jim & Sandy*
* Keith Buhr Altar Guild: Trudy & Michael *
*Altar Guild: the Lessmans Unruh*
*Elder: Scott Irwin*

*To prepare* your hearts and minds for the Sunday gathering of the faithful, here is the bulletin for Sunday <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/812bedda-76c8-90e8-3387-47d06727cc3a/2022_01_02_2nd_Sunday_of_Christmas.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/617c7511-01a0-603c-4874-651df052e160/1_2_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/cefe13d5-3118-dc85-2310-5959bfbaf57e/2022_1_2_The_Second_Sunday_After_Christmas.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For all those who are sick or recovering from COVID.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today: **New Year’s Eve*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *5:30pm *Divine Service for the Eve of the Circumcision & Name of Jesus, Grace
· *Sunday (1/2/22): **The 2nd Sunday of Christmas*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity*
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Monday*:
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
· *Wednesday: *
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace
o *11am *Divine Service, Grace
o *5:15pm *Youth Catechesis, Trinity
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday: **Feast of the Epiphany*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *6pm *Divine Service for the Feast of the Epiphany, Trinity
o *7pm *Youth Christmas Pageant, Trinity
· *Friday:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Saturday: *
o *9am *Church De-Decorating, Grace/Trinity
· *Sunday (1/9/22): **The 1st Sunday after the Epiphany*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Trinity
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace

*Looking Ahead…*
· *Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany – *6pm Divine Service at Trinity, followed by the Children’s Christmas Pageant & Open House downstairs
· *Jan 11: OMT* – We’re moving OMT a week early this month. We’ll discuss John Kleinig’s *Wonderfully Made*. Join us at Grace at 9am!
· *Jan 13: Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord* – In years past, we’ve simply moved this feast to the Sunday following the Epiphany. This year we’re going to hold the feast on its traditional day. Join us for a *Divine Service at Grace at 7pm*.
· *Jan 14-15: EDI Symposium (St. George Orthodox Cathedral)* – Speakers: Rod Dreher, Carl Trueman, and Jennifer Roback-Morse. Friday runs from 10am – 3pm; Saturday from 9am – 4pm. Register now. <www.eighthdayinstitute.org/eighth-day-symposium-2022> If you’d like to attend the banquet on Friday night (6-9pm), register for that as well, but let me know. I’ll try to designate a couple “Lutheran Tables” for us. The banquet is a great taste (pun intended!) of what EDI is all about.

*Other Things*
· *As you consider Year-End Giving*…Please remember that your gifts flow from thankfulness to God for His gracious provision to you. From that thankfulness, we give glory to God and offer back to Him from what He has given to us. A helpful starting place is to offer 10% for the mission and ministry of the Church (of course, you’re free to give more!). Your generosity *may* extend above and beyond your regular giving to the Church (which you can do here for Grace <www.paypal.com/donate?token=kFQGHUzA0R87vozaXkYSQLXPQe4T2oiPMRSb0y4YlhOM5T6WaE2BTky4ABOFppGN7aXTHsHOMNrXk5CW> and here for Trinity <www.paypal.com/donate?token=aLn8ehnpj9bGF5ym_PhPfd4W-oenKowm5-MimQfk57jZZ_reKACoUVY3wHjli1vuXK3NwWC2Xh3i8Zhs>); should that be the case, you might consider supporting one of these worthy causes:
o Concordia Academy-Wichita <www.concordiaacademywichita.org/contribute.html>
o Eighth Day Institute <eighthdayinstitute.salsalabs.org/endofyear2021/index.html>
o Our Seminarian, Kyle Nelson, and his family (donate to Church, earmarked for the Nelsons)
o Our Missionaries: Rev. Jacob Gaugert & Rev. Daniel Conrad (to the Church, earmarked for the missionaries)
o Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne <pages.elevate.salesforce.org/ctsfw/support-ctsfw>
o Lutherans for Life <lutheransforlife.org/donate/>
o The Siberian Lutheran Mission Society <siberianlutheranmissions.org/donate/>

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