The  Church  Year  –  A  Walk  Down  Memory  Lane  

 Paging   through   family  photo  albums   refreshes   the  memory.    Over   time  we   forget  old  hair  and  clothing  styles,  or  what  we   looked   like  with  hair.     Those  old  photos  bring   to  mind  classmates,  aunts  and  uncles  whom  we  haven’t  seen  in  decades  or  who  have  gone  home  to  heaven.    When  viewed  with  a  group  the  stories  of  yesteryear  burst  out  like  popcorn  from  the  kettle.    The  stories  give  birth  to  both  smiles  and  tears  as  pleasant  and  painful  times  are  relived  in  our  minds.    The   Christian   church   year   was   wisely   set   up   to   simulate   a   photo   album.     Each   year   in   the   pages   of  Scripture  we  walk  down  memory  lane  as  we  relive  the  life  of  our  Savior.    In  Luke  2  and  Matthew  1  &  2  we  see  his  baby  pictures.    The  Son  of  God  comes  into  the  world  born  to  parents  so  poor  they  can’t  provide  a  lamb,  just  two  pigeons,  when  he  is  redeemed  as  Mary’s  firstborn  son  at  the  temple.    There  are  scenes  of  a  hurried  visit  to  Egypt  to  avoid  Herod’s  murderous  jealousy  and  a  guarded  return  to  trip  to  Nazareth.    By  watching  over  his  Son,  God  was  watching  over  us.    His  baby  photos  are  followed  by  school  photos.    On  his  second  temple  visit  we  find  snap  shots  of  Jesus  at  twelve  years  of  age  obeying  the  Third  Commandment  in  our  place.    His  Father’s  work  was  more  important  to  him  than  play  and  hanging  out  with  friends.    On  his   inauguration  day  as  the  Christ,   there  are  shots  of   John  baptizing  Jesus  and  the  Holy  Spirit   in   the  form  of  a  dove  lighting  on  him.    On  this  day  Jesus  received  public  authority  to  serve  as  our  prophet,  priest  and   king.     From   there   we   have   portraits   of   Jesus   on   the   “North   Shore”   of   Galilee   calling   disciples,  preaching  to  crowds,  healing  the  sick  and  raising  the  dead.    Proving  and  proclaiming  himself   the  Christ,  the  bread  of   life,  the  Good  Shepherd,  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  Jesus’  ministry  matched  the  portrait  God’s  prophets  of  old  had  painted  of  him  hundreds  even  a  thousand  years  earlier.    These  were  the  happy  times  of  Jesus’  life  that  make  us  smile.    Then,  like  photos  from  the  scene  of  a  fatal  car  crash,  we  see  God’s  Son  taking  on  himself  our  guilt  and  our  curse.    Like  a  gory  YouTube  video  during  Lent  we  see  the  Lamb  of  God  arrested  and  abused  by  those  he  came   to   save.    We  hear   the  guiltless  one  declared  guilty  and  sentenced   to  an   innocent  death   in  Pilot’s  courtroom.    We  recoil  at  the  crack  of  the  whip  on  his  back,  the  thud  of  punches  to  his  face,  and  the  crunch  of  nails  piercing  his  hands  and  feet.    These  scenes  remind  us  both  how  much  God  hates  sin  and  sinners  and  yet  how  much  he  loves  sinners.    His  death  was  counted  as  our  death.    His  life  and  righteousness  are  counted  as  our  life  and  righteousness  through  faith  in  him.    

4240 Gettysburg Ave New Hope

763-533-0600 www.htlc-wels.org

Holy Trinity

Herald

February 2017

As  we  turn  the  page  from  the  gore  our  hearts  soar.    The  tomb  that  imprisoned  his  lifeless  body  is  opened  to   reveal   its  emptiness.    The  confusion  of   its  meaning   is  cleared  up  as  we  see   Jesus  pictured  alive  with  Mary  Magdalene,  the  two  disciples  on  the  way  to  Emmaus  and  the  eleven  in  the  house  together.    After  forty  days  of  “living  proof”  appearances,  the  Bible  replays  his  rise  into  the  sky  to  the  right  hand  of  his  Father.    That  scene  reminds  us  of  his  promise,  “I  will  come  back  and  take  you  to  be  with  me,  that  you  also  may  be  where  I  am”  (John  14:3).    Every  year  we  are  privileged  to  relive  these  memories  as  we  page  through  the  Bible’s  photo  album  from  December   through  May.     The   journey   is  more   than  nostalgic.     It   is   faith   renewing   and   soul   refreshing.    Let’s  enjoy  our  Sunday  walks  down  memory  lane!!        

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Mission Statement

Holy  Trinity  Lutheran  Church  exists  to:    

• Evangelize  the  lost  for  life  everlasting  by  sharing  the  Gospel  in  our  community  and  world.    

• Preserve  and  strengthen  the  faith  of  those  who  believe  in  Christ  through  worship  and  study  of  the  Word.    

• Equip  God’s  people  for  kingdom  work  and  service  through  the  preaching  and  teaching  of  the  Gospel  and  provide  them  with  opportunities  to  serve.  

IN  THIS  ISSUE  This   is   a   quick   view   of   the   important   dates   or  information   highlighted   in   this   month’s  newsletter.    Please  add  them  to  your  calendar.      

• Martin  Luther  College  Chorale  –  Sunday,  February  19th    @  10AM  

• Ash  Wednesday  Service    –  Wednesday,  March  1st    at  6:30PM          

           

           

PRAYER  REQUESTS  

Please  remember  the  following  brothers  and  sisters  in  Christ  in  your  prayers:  

V Ken  Schultz  –  as  he  recovers  from  heart  by-­‐pass  surgery  

V The  Family  of  Bette  Trask  who  was  called  to  heaven  in  January  

V Matthew  Cephas  as  he  returns  to  Liberia  to  instruct  pastors  there  with  lessons  from  his  WELS  Pastoral  Studies  Institute  Classes  

   

ALL  THE  NEWS  

Lenten  Services    March   1st,   Ash  Wednesday,  marks   the   beginning  of  our  40  day  Lenten  Journey.    This  year’s  Lenten  series   is   entitled   “Repent.   Turn   to   Jesus!”     The  theme   flows   from   the   critical   questions   that  occasioned   the   Ninety-­‐five   Theses   and   thereby  the  Lutheran  Reformation:  What  is  the  essence  of  repentance?   Is   repentance   the   act   of   “doing  penance”—making   satisfaction   for   sin?   Or   is  repentance  something  else  entirely?    Repentance,  Luther   came   to   see,   is   God’s   gracious   gift   to   us.  Luther   proclaimed   the   biblical   truth   that   the  believer’s   entire   life   is   a   life   of   repentance—a  daily   return   to   the   saving   waters   of   Baptism.    Lenten   services  will  be  held  Wednesdays  at  6:30  PM  beginning  March  1st  with  our  Ash  Wednesday  service   that   will   include   communion   and   the  imposition  of  ashes.    Pastor  Klatt  will  be  rotating  pulpits  with  the  pastors  of  King  of  Grace,  Golden  Valley;   Timothy,   St.   Louis   Park;   Ascension,  Plymouth.    Join  in  the  spiritual  journey  of  Lent  to  refresh  and  renew  your  faith!    

   

   

Martin  Luther  College  Chorale   Sunday,   February   19th,   the   Chorale   of   Martin  Luther   College   (our   WELS   college   of   ministry   in  New   Ulm,  MN)   will   share   the   word   of   gospel   in  song   in   our   10:00   AM   worship   service.     The  service  will  be  followed  by  a  potluck  dinner.    Each  congregation   family   is   asked   bring   a   main   dish  and   salad   or   dessert.     Please   mark   the   date   on  your  calendar.    You  won’t  want  to  miss  it.  

 

Seminary  Chorus    The  Wisconsin  Lutheran  Seminary  Chorus  is  made  up  of  men  studying  to  be  pastors   in  the  WELS  at  Wisconsin  Lutheran  Seminary.  The  chorus  will  be  appearing  at  two  area  locations  the  first  week  of  March:    7:00  PM  Thursday,  March  2nd  at  Cross  of  Christ,   Coon   Rapids   and   at   West   Lutheran   High  School  at  2:00  PM,  on  Friday,  March  3rd.  You  are  invited  to  hear  the  gospel  in  song.    

L-­‐Shaped  Office  Desk  Needed    Mrs.  Hanson,  our  child  care  director,  is  in  need  of  an   L-­‐shaped   office   desk   for   the   child   care  office.     A   second   hand   desk   in   good   condition  would   be   acceptable.     If   you   have   one   or   know  where   one   is   available   please   contact   Mrs.  Hanson   at   763-­‐533-­‐0600   x.209   or  slcc1231@gmail.com.    

Camp  Croix  2017  Registration    Registration   will   open   on   January   2nd,   2017.  Don't   miss   this   opportunity   to   brighten   your  child's   summer.   Children   going   into   4th   -­‐   9th  grade  are  welcome  to  take  part  in  this  wonderful  week   of   God's   Word,   swimming,   sports,   games,  

crafts,   mission   work,   and   more.   Counselors   and  staff   are   also   needed!   We   offer   three   weeks   of  summer   camp  -­‐   July   9-­‐15,   July   16-­‐22,   or   July   23-­‐29.   For  more   information,   and   to   register,   go   to  www.campcroix.org.    

Administrative  Assistant  Position  

 At   its   annual   meeting   the   voters   of   Holy   Trinity  Lutheran   Church   approved   funding   a   part-­‐time  administrative   assistant   position   for   the   church,  child  care  center,  and  school.    We  are  requesting  resumes  from  members  who  are  interested  in  this  position.    Applicants  can  expect  to  work  up  to  20  hours  per  week.    Compensation  will  be  $13/hour.    Copies   of   the   job   description   with   desired   skills  are   available   on   the   narthex   console.     Please  submit  resumes  to  the  church  office.  

West  Gala  &  Auction    On   Saturday,   April   8,   2017   the   West   Lutheran  High   School   Gala   &   Auction   event   will   be  held.    The  theme  this  year   is  Come  Sail  Away.     In  addition  to  a  silent  and  live  auction,  this  event  will  include   a   “Captain’s   Dinner”,   fun   games,   and  exciting  events  throughout  the  evening.    Proceeds  from   this   year’s   event   will   be   directed   to   the  WLHS   tuition  assistance   fund  and   for  parking   lot  repair   and   improvements.     Watch   for   more  information  to  come!  

Box  Tops  for  Education    Our   spring   submission   is   at   the   end   of  February.     Please   bring   in   your   box   tops   now   so  they   can   be   counted   and   sent   it.     You   can   put  them  in  the  mailboxes  of  Bonnie  Buskirk  or  Sandy  Thurber.  

Card  Rack    There  are  many  different  cards  available  for  every  upcoming   season   –   Easter,   Confirmation,  Graduation,  Weddings,  Birthdays.    Please  stop  by  and   take   a   look.     Proceeds   from   card   sales  support  the  many  projects  for  the  Sisters  in  Christ  group.  

   Recycled  cards  50¢  Hand-­‐stamped  cards  $1.00  Gift  card  holders  $2.00  Boxed  cards  $3.00  -­‐  $4.00  

Holy  Trinity  Lutheran  School    With   spring   on   its   way,   we   will   soon   see   the  temperatures  rise.    We  will  also  get  to  learn  more  about   the   work   of   our   Savior   Jesus   during   this  upcoming   Lenten   season.     His   perfect   life,  innocent   death,   and   glorious   resurrection   has  saved  all  of  us   from  the  depths  of  hell  and  given  us  a  home  in  heaven.    Now  that  is  something  that  can  keep  us  feeling  warm  all  the  time.    Here   are   the   major   highlights   of   some  recent/upcoming  school  activities        

1. TASTE   OF   KINDERGARTEN   –   Mrs.   Roth  held   a   “Taste   of   Kindergarten”   event   in  her   classroom  early   in   January.     She  had  17  PreK  students  attend.    She  is  planning  to  have  a  similar  event  in  March.    

2. SCHOOL   PROSPECTS   -­‐-­‐   Last   week,   some  parents   and   I   visited   Ascension’s   PreK  and   spoke   with   a   few   of   their   parents.    We  gave  them  some  goodie  bags,  school  information,  and  invited  them  to  an  Open  House  /  Movie  Night  on  February  3rd.    We  also   have   a   number   of   prospects   from  our   PreK   and   SLCC   PreK.     They   were   all  invited   to   the  Open  House.     I  will   follow  up  with  any  interested  families  soon  after  the  event.    

3. WELSSA   –   The   faculty   is   reviewing   our  self-­‐study   report,   WELSSA   5-­‐year   plan,  and   information   bin   to   see   what   needs  further  updating.    In  the  coming  months,  the   faculty   will   bring   all   necessary  needs/updates   to   the   appropriate  groups.     We   currently   have   completed  over  30  of  the  47  recommendations  from  the   WELSSA   visiting   team.   We   are   on  pace   to   complete   all   of   the  

recommendations   by   December   2018.    Our  next  WELSSA  visit  is  in  early  2019.    

4. SURVEY   -­‐-­‐   Mr.   Roth   and   the   Board   of  Education   sent   surveys   to   all   school   families  and  other  groups.    The  school   is  seeking  their  input  on  a  variety  of  topics.  We  plan  to  gather  the   information   and   use   it   to   plan   for   the  future   to   make   Holy   Trinity   an   even   better  place  for  Christian  education.      

 5. BASKETBALL  –  Some  of  our  4th-­‐8th  graders  are  

currently   participating   in   basketball.     The   B-­‐teams   will   play   in   a   tournament   at   West  Lutheran   on   February   4-­‐5.     The   following  weekend,   the   A-­‐teams   will   compete   in   our  league   tournament   at   West   and   St.   Croix.    They  will   also   travel   to  Martin   Luther  College  to   compete   in   a   tournament.     Special   thanks  to   all   the   parents,   players,   and   coaches   for   a  successful  basketball  season.    GO  RAMS!  

 6. DRAMA   AUDITIONS   -­‐-­‐     Mrs.   Denninger  

and   the   cast   are   in   the   early   stages   of  preparing   for   "The  Mystery   at   the  Cookie  Jar.”    It  is  part  musical,  party  mystery,  part  preteen   romance,   mostly   comedy,   and   a  whole   lot   of   poodle   skirts.   Performances  are   Friday   March   24th   at   6:30p   and  Saturday,   March   25th.     We   also   plan   to  have   a   Band   concert   and  have   the   Junior  Choir  perform  on  the  evening  of  the  24th.  

 7. QUESTIONS   -­‐-­‐   If   you  would   like   to   speak  

with  me  about  any  school  related  joys  and  concerns,   please   let   me   know.     Your  feedback  is  truly  appreciated        

May   our   Lord   bless   us  with   confidence,   as  we   live  and  work  for  Him.  

   In  Christ’s  Service,  Ryan  Roth,  Principal