Dear Holy Trinity Family,
I realize that you have not heard from me since our last worship service on March 15th but rest assured that a small group of us are working diligently to send the Gospel out to you via social media. Look for an abbreviated worship service on Facebook on Sundays perhaps around 10:00 a.m. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/Holy-Trinity-Lutheran-Church-1646555655575218/ As of now, it’s still a work in progress.
For those who don’t have access to social media I’d like to suggest a couple other worship related opportunities. Every Sunday morning one of the Lutheran pastors in the area shares a 12 minute sermon on the radio (WMAN 1400) at approximately 7:15 a.m. I’ve had my turn in the rotation. Five radio sermons during January and February.
For those of you who have Spectrum cable there is a Lutheran worship service broadcast every Sunday from the Chapel at the Missouri Synod Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s called Worship Alive at 11:30 on channel 12.
In times such as these we need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of His saving grace and many promises for we are a people of faith and not fear, but alas our churches are shuttered, it remains up to us to show others the love of our mighty God and Savior, and to let our light shine among the darkness. It is only human for us to have fear, but we must rely and trust in our powerful God and Redeemer.
It is also a time that we can share in telephone ministries where we can reach out to one another, share Scripture and prayer. I feed you on Sunday, but it is up to us individually to feed ourselves daily through God’s powerful Word and to stay in His Word, through our daily devotions and prayer time.
I will keep you informed about decisions on worship and plans going forward. I would anticipate a weekly communication with you via email.
As we continue our Lenten devotions let us remember our liturgical response, “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13)
As I stand in our empty sanctuary I see you sitting in the pews and pray for each, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
I leave you with thought and Scripture, “Have no fear little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
In His steadfast love,
Your Pastor and Friend,
The Rev. Dr. Pentti Maki
