Trinity Lutheran Church of Wichita

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

11 February 2022
*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

4 February 2022
*Friday of the Fourth Sunday following the Epiphany of the Lord*Dear Saints and Friends of Grace & Trinity,

This Sunday is
*The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord*
Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 <www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+34%3A29-35%3B+2+Peter+1%3A16-21%3B+Matthew+17%3A1-9&version=ESV>

*Jesus Is Transfigured and Manifests His Glory*
*The Lord appeared to Moses in the light of the burning bush (Ex. 3:1–14). Later Moses’ face would shine with the light of God’s glory when he came down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29–35). At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with the One who is the Light of Light Himself (Matt. 17:1–9). Jesus’ glory as God shines with brilliant splendor in and through His human nature. By this epiphany, our Lord confirmed the prophetic word (2 Pet. 1:16–21), revealing that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He manifested His majesty as the eternal Son of the Father, and He wonderfully foreshowed our adoption as sons (Collect). We who have been baptized into Christ’s body are given a glimpse of the glory that we will share with Him in the resurrection on the Last Day.*

*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 Kennys*
*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/fa4960f4-0dad-5279-2b5e-3fb7ab3a9fab/2022_02_06_Feast_of_the_Tranfiguration_of_Our_Lord.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/4b53d43e-d9ed-e4df-4c1a-ca9995452724/2_6_22_News_Notes.pdf> and the congregation at prayer <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/610c362d-b43a-4c5e-c441-c3c01fe53f4f/2022_2_6_The_Transfiguration_of_Our_Lord.pdf> .

*Prayer Requests…*
· For Nina Pratt, a former member of Trinity currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
· For Roger Zwemke, still in quarantine for Covid.
· For Natalie Buhr, struggling with various health complications.

*Coming up this week…*
· *Today:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *4-5pm *Private Absolution, Trinity
· *Sunday (2/6): **The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord*
o *8am *Divine Service, Grace
o *9:30am *Bible Study, Grace**
o *11am *Divine Service, Trinity
o *1pm* Spanish Meal & Catechesis, Grace
o *2pm **Misa en Español*, Grace
· *Monday*
o *9am* Matins, Grace
· *Tuesday*: *Trinity’s Anniversary (1934)*
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 *4:15pm *Bell Choir, Trinity
o *5:15pm *Youth Catechesis, Trinity
o *7pm *Evening Prayer, Trinity
· *Thursday*: *Commemoration of Silas*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
o *7:30pm *Hall of Men, the Ladder
· *Friday:*
o *9am *Matins, Grace
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

*Looking Ahead…*
· *Feb 12: Concordia Academy Open House* – Join us at Grace on Saturday for our Open House and open enrollment from 10am to 12pm. It’s a great opportunity to see what the school will look like and how it will operate. You can meet Mr. Dan Snyder, our new Headmaster as we well.
· *Feb 15: OMT *– We’re reading a book on how to read the Old Testament by Don Collett. Join us for Matins at 9am, Book Discussion following, then Lunch.
· *March 2*: *Ash Wednesday* – Our Lenten journey of spiritual discipline and catechetical formation begins!

*Other Things…*
· *Newsletters* are here! This month we look at the Preface of the Divine Liturgy: Trinity’s Torch <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/f60365e4-8722-6035-3f51-872976acd591/February_Torch_2022.pdf>, Grace’s Grace Notes <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/35a0a2c0-fa77-c414-cebc-6d475d3ebadc/February_Grace_Notes_2022.pdf>, and the Calendar <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/cb6d4048-89ea-070f-26eb-af5fafecd5e8/February_2022_Calendar.pdf>.
· *Missionary Newsletter *– The monthly newsletter for the Conrads <mcusercontent.com/a90ee03ff0810e6c55bae6a58/files/3f9e73b2-b399-8605-4dd5-e53054fa39bc/NewsletterDec21Jan22PDF.pdf> is also here. Please keep Pr. Conrad and his family in your prayers.
· *Value Them Both* – I have lots of material available for Value Them Both <valuethemboth.com/> (bumper stickers and magnets, koozies and pamphlets). This will be made available in the narthex of both congregations. If you’re not aware of this, please read about it and tell your friends. This is an important vote coming up for all Kansans. We’ll have a special presentation on this during the Bible Study hour on Feb 27.
· *The Plucked Chicken *– No, I didn’t name this silly podcast, but I do appear on the latest episode <thepluckedchicken.com/wordpress/prs-boyle-and-lovett-on-pandering-to-the-spirit-of-the-age/> with Pr. Lovett! We listen and critique a sermon that addresses women pastors and the proper role of women in the Church. Give it a listen if you’ve got the time.

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