Lutheran Church of Providence
March, 2019 Newsletter
Pastor’s Corner
As we come into the Lenten season we reflect on Christ, His Church and His warnings about the future. We are told that many will attack the Church of Christ and Satan will work through them to turn and discourage others in their faith. Satan wants to build his own kingdom and doesn’t want anyone to bless and trust in Christ and obtain eternal life.
When an attack comes from outside the church we kind of expect it and see it for what it is. Yearly the media reports a story that is supposed to question whether Jesus is the Son of God or not. Often they come up with an explanation of a miracle casting doubt on the real powers of Jesus. At other times they will attempt to explain that Jesus didn’t really die and was revived by the coolness of the tomb. As Christian we see through these traps set by Satan and we cling to our historic faith.
At other times Satan uses other means to keep people from accepting and trusting in Christ as their Lord and Savior. Satan makes various worldly attractions seem so good that believers are tempted to partake of them rather than to worship God. When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, Satan tempts us to go to the beach – it seem like he doesn’t tempt us on Saturday but on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. At other times Satan tempts us to go to one of the amusement parks, the zoo, or a special event happening on Sunday morning. Satan even provides us with excuses and justification for doing something other than worship God in His House. “I’ve worked all week so I deserve some fun time.” “It’s the only time I can go.” All these are part of Satan’s plans to draw us away from God.
At other times Satan becomes much more direct using a family member or loved one to command us not to go. They even say you can prove your love for them by not going to church. Friends will often try to shame us into not worshipping God. It’s important to remember at that time Luther’s explanation of the 1st commandment: “We should fear, love and trust in God above all things”. God wants to be number one in our lives above all else.
It’s not surprising that Satan also gets inside the church and uses others to keep God’s church from growing. Recently I have heard that some of our “members” are complaining about various aspects of the church. This in itself is evil but when this is said to newcomers and visitors, they wonder if we are really the body of Christ or not. This often happens in a one to one situation or in a public area where others can see and hear what is happening. Satan helps justify this by saying “perhaps this will get the church going in the right direction”. People who fall for this trick of Satan’s do not have a true love for Christ and His church. At times Satan has people work to replace the leaders in the church. Satan knows that this is one of the surest ways to keep the church stagnant. Recently I have had people tell me that there are certain people they avoid so they don’t hear negative things about God’s church. How many others have had a similar experience and have decided not to join our church or any other church?
It is imperative for us to speak well of the church even if there are areas that we don’t like or agree with. During the Easter cycle, Satan will intensify his efforts to sabotage the church and its ministry. As the people of God we need to intensify our efforts to bring people to faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior. We need to worship regularly, confront those speaking against the church and confess our sinful condition to God as we strive to change our sinful lives.
We are the church militant battling against Satan and his followers. Let us be faithful to Christ, doing the work He has given us to do and keep the influences of Satan out of our church.
I plan on seeing you on Ash Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00 P.M. as we worship God acknowledging our sinfulness. Let us continue to meet every Wednesday after that as well as on Sunday to get the strength we need to resist Satan.
Often during Lent we look for something to ‘’give up’ (like broccoli). However this year let’s all take on something new. Each day I am asking you to put a nonperishable food item into the
bag provided by the church to you. Periodically return it to the church and the food will be given to the needy in our community. If we all do this for the 40 days of Lent, many people will be fed and will feel the love of Christ through us. (Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these you’ve done it unto me.)
May God bless you during this Easter season and keep you strong in the faith as you invite others to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
In His service,
Pastor Weikart
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Let’s talk… let’s hear your idea’s.
I shake my head a lot these days and worry about the direction of our country. How often are we trying to fix our problems and leaving God out of the solution? But then I look around me and see the same thing happening, even at times in my own life. We would like to think that we are smart enough and strong enough to overcome the evils and the problems we face. But we all presume humanity is okay, and that allows us to ignore our own sin. No wonder we continue to struggle with evil over and over again!
Thankfully, God has overcome our sin when He took our sin on Himself. Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross to defeat our sin, to offer us forgiveness through faith in Him. Jesus, the Son of God, rose from the dead and offers eternal life to all, not by trusting ourselves, but through trusting His saving love.
So, when I face a problem, I have learned, it is wise to wonder what I am doing that is helping to cause this problem. After all, if I am part of the problem but I refuse to admit my guilt, I will not be able to find a solution to the trouble if I can’t admit its cause. That attitude of confession and that question about my part in the issue may seem simplistic. But admitting my sin and my weakness to God ultimately causes me to look to the cross of Jesus.
Then, after considering my part in the problem, I consider how the forgiveness and the salvation of God helps me to face whatever life brings in the love and the strength of the Almighty and Merciful Lord of all. When my past is forgiven, and my future is guaranteed, I am free to face whatever horror this life brings in the love and the strength of God.
We would like to THINK we are okay. But the rebellion and desires of sin attack our hearts constantly. However, in love God has sent Jesus who overcomes our sins on the cross and gives hope in His rising from the dead. When I trust, not in myself, but when I trust in Jesus, I can bring the wisdom, the love, the righteousness of God even into this troubled and painful world.
So all who said I am not perfect – not even close! I try and do the best I can for my God, family and my church. If you have a problem with me or the way we, the Council, guide the Lutheran Church of Providence – please call me or stop me and talk to me! We can always agree to dis-agree and are open to hearing how you feel! Remember bad news doesn’t get better with age!
A Child of God, Trusting in God,
Roy Armstrong
FELLOWSHIP
On Sunday, March 17th, after church we will be having our St. Patrick’s Dinner of corned beef and cabbage. No other side dishes needed. There will be a free will offering with all proceeds going to the Food Pantry.
FOOD PANTRY
Our Food Pantry is increasing every time we have it. The need is high and food supplies are very limited. When bringing in food from home, please check the expiration dates on the food items. The Food Pantry committee needs to check every item because we have received several items that are expired. Some were expired in 2014. We cannot give out old food items to our clients so please check before you donate.
A special thank you to those who regularly donate money and food to the pantry. This is very much appreciated.
Next Food Drop hopefully will be Thursday, April 4th.
MENS’ BREAKFAST
March’s Mens’ Breakfast will be held at Osteen Diner on Tuesday, March 12th, at 9:00 A.M.
MEMORIALS
A memorial was received by Myrtle Wells in memory of Mr. Frank Scherrer dedicated to the Roof Fund.