LENT

March 2 this year is Ash Wednesday, which begins the forty-day season of Lent (Lent means “to lengthen,” reflecting the lengthening days of spring). Traditionally, this season is marked by fasting; “giving up something for Lent.” In our tradition, fasting is optional, and the season of Lent is intended to encourage self-reflection, self examination, prayer, and repentance. We forego the joyful “alleluias” and “Glorias” in worship, reserving them for our response to the victorious proclamation of our Lord’s resurrection at Easter dawn.

May I suggest that you and I “give up something for Lent”? Specifically, that we give ourselves up to God… Faithfully attending Lenten midweek services, regular Thursday and Sunday worship services, and the services of Holy Week culminating in Easter. While some of us cannot attend due to health, work, or other reasons, we can all observe Lent in our devotions, prayers, and quiet meditation on God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Blessings, and see you soon!

Pastor Stanton

"But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:3-14

Christ suffered greatly in His earthly life and as members of His family, we too are likely to suffer in our earthly life. We suffer mental anguish, persecution, physical suffering, emotional pain, and the list goes on. However, in the above verse Peter calls us to rejoice in our suffering, knowing that, yes, while we suffer here on earth for Christ, we also get to share in His glory and majesty for eternity.

As Christians, God did not call us to live a happy go lucky easy life. No, in fact we are told that because we know Christ and proclaim Him, the world is going to hate us just as they hated Him. So, when we find ourselves suffering or fretting when we face difficulties, we are to recognize that in suffering as a Christian we are partaking in the suffering of Christ. We will never face the level of suffering that Christ did and we do not partake in the anguish put upon Him while dying on the cross – only Christ could fulfill that. But we partake in the hatred, the persecution, the suffering that Christ faced while on earth. As believers we suffer from the attacks of those that have hatred toward God and reject Christ as their Savior.

We are blessed to be called to the body of Christ. Christ is the head of this body and we the church are called to proclaim the Gospel no matter what. We have union with Christ, and He warns of the many inflictions that will come our way because we have a union, a bond, with Christ. But we are also deeply encouraged to rejoice in these sufferings with overflowing joy because it is for His name’s sake that we are treated this way. Surely, we can endure a little compared to what Christ endured for us, no? While in this life we suffer pain, distress, we may be scorned, ridiculed, and hated, we can rejoice in all of this because we know that in Christ, we have victory! Christ already secured this for us and when His full glory is finally revealed to us, we can be guaranteed that we will not have regretted the suffering here on earth.

Paul tells us that our current sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us. James adds that suffering in this life develops godly character, patience, and endurance. Christ lived and died for us surely, we can live for Him! Christ loved us enough and then some to suffer and die for us, to ensure we are made right with God, to forgive us, to redeem us, and to give us a place with Him in eternal glory! To God be the glory and praise now and forever!

As we take this Lenten journey let us be reminded of the suffering Christ endured because He loves us and cannot live without us. Remember that our sufferings in this life are nothing compared to the eternal glory and bliss we will one day experience. Also remember that we are not alone in our sufferings, God has given us brothers and sisters in Christ, so if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to reach out to this sister in Christ – I will be there for you just as Christ is there for all of us! A blessed Lenten season to you my dear brother and sister in Christ!

In His Service,

Jennifer Leinss

March 6 - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers

March 13 - Jesus Feeds 5,000

March 20 - Palm Sunday

March 27 - Last Supper/Jesus Prays

Sunday school families will also work on the hymn

"The King of Glory Comes". It is number 205 in One and All Rejoice.

Our second trimester of Sunday school offerings will be going to Zambia! Offerings collected will support the furthering of the Gospel in Zambia. With our offerings Christians there will be able to host Vacation Bible School, youth programs, workshops, and reach out to youth in need! If you feel so inclined to give, there will be a collection bin in the narthex!

We invite you to join Jaime and Jennifer as we travel down HWY 318. Our summer adventures will be based on Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Each week you will hear a Bible story, have a craft, snack, and game idea, and sing songs with us! Watch for more information to come and when to register for this event.

Summer Sunday School:

Our SSS program will be a weekly video series that you as a family can catch when it is convenient for you! Join Jaime and Jennifer weekly as they dive deeper into the 10 Commandments. They will get hands-on and dive deeper into the Word of God so be sure to join them for this fun summer adventure!

This month, we'd like to take a closer look at our Board of Elders, who assist the Pastor in the Spiritual Life of the congregation.

As an Elder, these gentlemen work to ensure that all of the congregation's activities, worship, and Bible Studies are under the guiding principles and specific doctrines that are taught through God's Holy Word, and that are listed within the Lutheran Confessions.

Our Elders also serve the congregation by assisting in Worship and distributing communion. They regularly visit with our members, particularly those who are within their alphabet group, to ensure that their spiritual health is strong. As leaders within the congregation, they set an example of faith in their lives, as well as in their participation in the life of the church.

If you are interested in learning more about the men that serve as Elders, or if you would like more information on what it means to be an Elder, please see one of the following gentlemen that serves on this Board:

Craig Butzlaff (Alphabet group A-B)

Jim Burow (Alphabet group C-F)

Jeff Driessen (Alphabet group G-H)

Sean Malone (Alphabet group I-Ki)

Rick Krause (Alphabet group Kj-Kz)

Dennis Kutz (Alphabet group L)

Lee Roloff (Alphabet group M)

Bob Kunz (Alphabet group N-O)

Matt Birr (Alphabet group P)

Jerry Sutton (Alphabet group Q-R)

Chuck Boie (Alphabet group Sa-Se)

Dale Wachholz (Alphabet group Sf-U)

Jack Welter (Alphabet group V-Z)

First Quarter Special Missions will be supporting the publication of two devotions books, the first is “Recipes of Love” and is for families with school-aged children. The second is called “Get Up And Walk.” It contains devotions for children that are sick – especially those undergoing extensive medical treatments. Both will be published in Portuguese, by Concordia Publishing House of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge- $1,000

Street Angels- $1,000

Repairs of the Breach- $1,000

Wishope Recovery-$1,000

Hebron House of Hospitality-$1,000

Hope Center-$1,000

All of these agencies serve our homeless/destitute citizens in providing humane and shelter services in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and contiguous counties. The Homeless Committee members also thank the congregation for it's continued support in our efforts to ease the burden of our citizens in need. God Bless.