Pastor’s Corner

April Newsletter

April 2, 2024

Spring has sprung

The grass has ris’

I wonder where the flower is

Pastor’s Corner

Right before Easter, we were saying the above because absolutely no one had Easter Lilies. Lacking faith we talked about what we could substitute that would look pretty and joyful. Then true to form, God had lilies all bloomed out, and at Publix about 5 days before Resurrection Sunday. The church looked beautiful and smelled great for the center of our faith. Jesus rising from the dead after He paid for our sins by His death on the Cross. There were many new people in worship on Easter Sunday and we have been blessed by God with others we can encourage to attend regularly and we have more people to add to our prayer list.

For many people Easter is over, but for us the people of God, everyday is a new day in Christ and a new start for us loved and forgiven by Him. Christians do not take God for granted but live each day in the presence of God and looking forward to a reunion in heaven when our bodies wear out. Out of love for God we gather together regularly on Sunday to be renewed by His word and the Sacraments. We need the renewal more than ever as people turn away from the Bible and seek to make the world as they want it.

The archbishop of Washington D.C. says that many Catholics are ‘cafeteria Catholics’ meaning that they pick and choose what they want to accept as the teachings and doctrines of the church. As Missouri Synod Lutherans we adhere to the Bible in it’s entirety. God’s Word stands firm for us and gives us the only hope we have in this life. God supplies all that we need if we only acknowledge it — even Easter lilies.

God has certainly blessed us as a congregation and me as He has allowed me to serve you. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped with the preparations for Holy Week and Easter. Thanks for all of your kind words and wishes.

We will continue with our Easter joy for the next 40 days until we gather to celebrate the Ascension of Christ into heaven on May 9th at 7:00 P.M. Jesus is giving us last minute instructions and reassurance before He leaves the earth and returns to His father. We look forward to His return to earth but realize it could be at any time so we need to be ready all the time.

We are looking at starting a new ministry where people volunteer to visit with our members who cannot come to worship at the church. They will be paired with a person to regularly communicate with and pray for. If you have interest in a program like this, please let me know and I can share more on this.

In the joy of our risen Lord, enjoy your spring and the blessings of God. Please pray for those who are ill and/or shut in and share the comfort and strength that Christ our Lord gives us.

May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Pastor Weikart

QUILTING NEWS

Raffle tickets to win a beautiful quilt made by the ladies of the Quilting group are on sale. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. All proceeds will go for quilting supplies to make more quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Mark your calendar and plan on going shopping with us on Saturday April 27 from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. at our Spring Quilt and Raffle Sale !! We will have various quilted items for you to purchase.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PROVIDENCE COMING EVENTS

Bible Study: Wednesday April 3 at 1:00 p.m.

Elder’s Meeting: Sunday April 7 at 12:00 p.m.

Men’s Breakfast: Thursday April 11 at 9:00 a.m. (Rhonda’s Kitchen)

Book Club: Thursday April 11 at 10 a.m.

Women’s Meeting: Friday April 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Council Meeting: Sunday April 14 at 12:00 p.m.

Spaghetti Benefit Dinner: Sunday April 14 at 12:00 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday April 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Spring Quilt and Raffle Sale: Saturday April 27 at 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Uncategorized - 05/07/2024

Pastor’s Corner May Newsletter

As we gather for another month there are many things going on in the world. We need to look at the Bible in order to partially understand modern day events.

Probably the biggest story today is the issue with Israel and the various positions on it. The basic issue is one that Satan uses often — Jealousy. Throughout the Bible God calls Israel His chosen people. It is with Israel and only Israel that God makes a covenant of blessing that will endure for all times. God converses with Israel and tells them how to act and the consequences if they don’t obey. We also read about people who will work with Israel to restore their country and Jerusalem. Cyrus was named specifically many, many years before he was born or came to power in Persia.

Israel has been punished and dispersed many times but God keeps His covenant and returns them to their promised land. Despite the Holocaust, October 7 and other suppressions, God follows through on what He says. Now we have demonstrations against Israel and the Jews but according to God’s word, they will not prevail.

The above has a great lesson for us also, God has chosen us through Holy Baptism to be His people and heirs. Many people are trying to tear us down and are against Christianity. God has promised to be with us only if we will truly trust Him and worship Him. God loves us with a love that the world cannot give. Satan is at work again trying to deceive us and destroy our faith in God.

In our world today, we see support for terrorists and hate for God’s chosen nation. We see people unwilling to take a stand because they want votes from both factions. There’s an old saying that says “When you stand for everything you stand for nothing.” The real issue is — do we stand for God or for something else? As a country we used to be for God but now there are various factions. The Bible addresses this also saying that if a house is divided against itself it cannot stand. As a country we need to return to God to rely on Him for all things.

God wants us to come home to Him forever. On May 9 (Thursday) we will honor Christ’s returning to heaven with His promise that He’s going to get a place ready for us and that “many are called but few are chosen.” Let us be faithful to God at all times and receive the crown of eternal life.

Pastor Weikart

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PROVIDENCE EVENTS

Bible Study : Wednesday May 1 at 1:00 p.m.

Elder’s Meeting: Sunday May 5 at 12:00 p.m.

Men’s Breakfast: Thursday May 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Sally’s Diner (Formerly Rhonda’s Kitchen)

Book Club: Thursday May 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Ascension Day Service: Thursday May 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Friday May 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Council Meeting: Sunday May 12 at 12:00 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday May 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Potluck Dinner: Sunday May 26 at 12:00 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday May 29 at 1:00 p.m.

Uncategorized - 05/03/2024

Pastor’s Corner April Newsletter

Spring has sprung

The grass has ris’

I wonder where the flower is

Right before Easter, we were saying the above because absolutely no one had Easter lilies. Lacking faith we talked about what we could substitute that would look pretty and joyful. Then true to form, God had lilies all bloomed out, at Publix about 5 days before Resurrection Sunday. The church looked beautiful and smelled great for the center of our faith. Jesus rising from the dead after He paid for our sins by His death on the Cross. There were many new people in worship on Easter Sunday and we have been blessed by God with others we can encourage to attend regularly and we have more people to add to our prayer list.

For many people Easter is over, but for the people of God, every day is a new day in Christ and a new start for us loved and forgiven by Him. Christians don’t take God for granted but live every day in the presence of God and are looking forward to a reunion in heaven when our bodies wear out. Out of love for God we gather together regularly on Sunday to be renewed by His Word and the Sacraments. We need the renewal more than ever as people turn away from the Bible and seek to make the world as they want it.

The archbishop of Washington D.C. says that many Catholics are ‘Cafeteria Catholics’ meaning they pick and choose what they want to accept as the teachings and doctrines of the church. As Missouri Synod Lutherans we adhere to the Bible in its entirety. God’s Word stands firm for us and gives us the only hope we have in this life. God supplies all that we need if only we acknowledge it — even Easter lilies.

God has certainly blessed us as a congregation and me as He has allowed me to serve you. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped with the preparations for Holy Week and Easter. Thanks for all your kind words and wishes.

We will continue with our Easter joy for the next 40 days until we gather to celebrate the Ascension of Christ into heaven on May 9 at 7:00 P.M. Jesus is giving us last minute instructions and reassurance before He leaves the earth and returns to His Father. We look forward to His return to earth but realize it could be at any time so we need to be ready all the time.

We are looking to start a new ministry where people volunteer to visit with our members who cannot come to worship at the church. They will be paired with a person to regularly communicate with and pray for. If you have interest in a program like this, please let me know and I can share more on this.

In the joy of our risen Lord, enjoy your spring and the blessings of God. Please pray for those who are ill and/or shut in and share the comfort and strength that Christ our Lord gives us.

May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Pastor Weikart

QUILTING NEWS

Raffle tickets to win a beautiful quilt made by the ladies of the Quilting group are on sale. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. All proceed will go for quilting supplies. Mark your calendar and plan on going shopping with us on Saturday April 27 from 8 A.M. to 2 P.m.m at our Spring Quilt and Raffle Sale !!! We will have various quilted items for you to purchase.

Uncategorized - 05/03/2024

Pastor’s Corner March Newsletter

As we leave the shortest month of the year behind, we enter into March with many changes. The old saying is that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. The author of that saying was referring to the weather with the lion being winter and the lamb being spring. However, it also applies to our spiritual lives also.

We are presently in the Lenten season where Satan seems to be powerful and ruling at will. Throughout Lent we are contemplating our sins and sinful nature and it seems like the devil is in charge and unstoppable. Weekly and Weakly we enter the sanctuary and confess that we are sinful and haven’t been the people God wants us to be. It seems like we are powerless to change and wickedness is throughout the world. Crime, wars, domestic disputes, financial plights, illness and death surround us. No matter where we go or what we do, we seem to be in constant trouble and turmoil. Oh what pitiful people we are just waiting for the proverbial ‘other shoe to drop.’ We might just as well give up rather than fight against the lion who is Satan with all his strength.

But just as we get to the end of the month and see Jesus preparing to die and being abandoned by His disciples something miraculous happens. Satan proclaims victory as the life of Jesus ebbs away and He is declared dead. But wait…… all of a sudden God the Father breathes new life into Jesus’ broken body and He lives again stronger and more glorious then before. Satan has been defeated and peace rules the earth. The meek and mild Lamb of God has subdued Satan the lion. Spring with new life replaces winter when things are seemingly dead but are really just preparing for new life.

The only way to really understand this is to live it with Jesus on Maundy Thursday at 7:00 when the altar will be stripped of His clothing. On Good Friday we can journey with Him to the cross amidst suffering and pain. As we leave the church that evening, it will be dark just as His tomb was when the rock was placed over the entrance.

As we contemplate His resting in the tomb on Holy Saturday, we anticipate coming to grieve on the third day. But wait —the stone has been rolled away —His body is gone—He is risen from the dead.

Satan the lion has lost as we sing of the victory of Jesus over sin, death and the devil. Victory has been proclaimed over the devil for all time. Jesus is Risen, He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Please join us in this special walk as God paves the way for us to have Eternal Life. Joy indeed comes after suffering and the victory of Jesus is our victory also.

Please keep up the good work and continue to grow in faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and keep you in His care,

Pastor Weikart

WOMEN’S GROUP

Hello Ladies of L.C.P.! There’s been an interest from many of you to
start a women’s club or group again. Our first meeting will be on
Monday, March 11 in the A.B.C. room at 3:00 p.m. Everyone can bring
their thoughts on what they would like to get out of the group, when to
meet, what projects we would love to take on, etc. Please wear your
name tags, if you have one. Talk to Robin Schmidt (386-216-3726) if
you have any questions. Hope to see many of you there!

CHURCH READERS/HOLY COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

March 3: Larry Hendrickson

March 10: Nelson Cederberg

March 17: Roy Armstrong

March 24: Zachary Weikart

March 31: Frank Standley

Pastor's Corner - 02/26/2024

Pastor’s Corner February Newsletter

February is almost upon us as I write this article. It seems like Christmas and New Years were so long ago. As the months change, we are looking forward to Lent and Ash Wednesday. This year Ash Wednesday falls on February 14th which is also Valentine’s Day. What an appropriate day for both holidays. As sinners we commemorate Ash Wednesday but we also remember God’s love for us as He forgives us. Jesus begins the Lenten walk so we can be forgiven and go to heaven, through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, when our bodies are no longer useful on earth.

This year we will have two identical services on Ash Wednesday February 14th, one at 3:00 P.M. and one at 5:00 P.M. Both will have the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of those who want it and we will come to the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion. The 3:00 P.M. service will allow people who can’t drive in the dark to attend while it is still light out. Everyone is welcome at either service.

For the remainder of Lent we will have one service each Wednesday at 5:00 P.M. Most of those Wednesdays will be during daylight savings time so it will be lighter later. During succeeding Wednesdays, we will also be considering the topic of ‘Crossroads’. Often in life we come to crossroads and have to make a decision on which way to tum. During Jesus’ passion, many people had to decide on what to do and which way to tum. We are confronted daily with similar decisions that often exert considerable pressure on us. Often we choose wisely but at times, we make the wrong choice and follow the wrong road. These decisions seem devastating but that is why Jesus came and followed the road that God the Father laid out for Him. When we admit we are on the wrong road, repent, back up and change direction or go on a different road, God forgives us and welcomes us back.

During Lent we will contemplate the direction we are going and will ask God to redirect us where we have gone astray. God pays the price for our wrong direction by having Jesus die for our sins and rise again to give us new life.

Because of the solemnness of Lent, there is little rejoicing and flowers will be absent from the alter. Let us be faithful in observing the Lenten season and help others to get ready for God’s gift of forgiveness for us.

The church also recently signed up for a clothing bin to be placed in our parking lot. All types of clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, towels, sheets, curtains, and even stuffed toys will be accepted to be given to needy people who can use it. We will be able to access the box at any and all times for people locally that need clothes. Jesus has assured us:
“In as much as you have done it to one of the least of these,’ you have done it unto me.”

There are many ways that we can serve Jesus by fulfilling His command. The quilters have done a magnificent job with the quilts and will warm the hearts and bodies of many people. The food pantry also reaches out and serves many needy people in the area. Please keep up the good work and continue to grow in faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and keep you in His care,
Pastor Weikart

Pastor's Corner - 02/25/2024
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Pastor’s Corner November Newsletter

We are living in a world that is constantly changing and often not for the best. We are experiencing inflation with higher prices, increases in crime, world conflicts and wars, chaos at all turns and uncertainty about how it’s all going to end. The only thing not changing is God and His unlimited love and tolerance for us. It seems like when things are going well we think we can improve on it with our own thoughts and programs. The only problem is that each time we do this we scrap God’s word and create our own. The original (God’s Word) can never be equaled or improved on and we only create more problems for ourselves. This has happened time and time again as we saw with the Reformation. The church fell away to habit and tradition and Luther helped us return to Scripture, God’s Word.

When was the last time you reviewed your confirmation promises and what you learned about the basics of the Christian faith. All we need for life is included in these but we often don’t review what we believe and why we believe it. The devil has many ways to lure us away from Scripture and con us into thinking there’s a better way to live life.

On November 5 we will remember the faithful who lived their life for God and returned home to join Him for all eternity, through faith in Jesus Christ. We are encouraged to grieve with hope—hope being the certainty of eternal life and a reunion with our heavenly Father. All Saints’ Day is a day when we miss our loved ones who have gone before us but are joyful that they are with God and we’ll join them in the future.

When we come to Thanksgiving at the end of November, we have many things to be thankful for. These things include earthly blessings but more than that, they include our faith, trust, comfort and strength in God. Let us truly meditate on things other than this earth and look for the peace that passes all understanding.

May God bless you and watch over you as you cling to your faith in Jesus as your Lord and your Savior. Let us work even harder during these Holy Days and let us share our faith  with them and invite them to come and see who God is.

Peace and happiness be to all of you.

In Christ our Lord,

Pastor Weikart

Pastor's Corner - 11/27/2023
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Pastor’s Message

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

                We are thankful to God that we are open with several precautions in place due to Covid 19. Our service begins at 10:30 A.M. and includes Holy Communion. Masks are required, alternate pews are utilized, social distancing is practiced and Holy Communion is single file with individual cups. Hand sanitizers are located at the doors entering the Sanctuary. All social events are cancelled until further notice.

                Please join us and we pray you feel welcomed.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.   James 1:12 

Uncategorized - 07/24/2020
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Covid-19 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

                I’m pleased and excited to report that a date has been set for the re-opening of the church. We will be resuming our worship together the first weekend of June… Sunday, June 7, 2020 at 10:30 AM.

                While this is exciting news for us all, I must temper the excitement with this truth: worship will be much different than what we remember when we last gathered together.

                When we are able to resume gathering in God’s house, there will be restrictions in place we will have to observe. They are as follow:

  1. The front door will be open so you will not have to touch the handle.
  2. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the Sanctuary.
  3. Masks MUST be worn in the building at all times.
  4. We are required to maintain appropriate social distancing in the Sanctuary and elsewhere in the building.
  5. The words to the hymns will be printed in the bulletin to avoid the sharing of hymnals. The Friendship Folders, Bibles, prayer cards, and pencils have all been removed from the Sanctuary.
  6. All adult Bible studies and Children’s church are suspended indefinitely.
  7. Holy Communion will be distributed in a continuous line fashion, with appropriate spacing. ONLY individual cups will be used.
  8. Offering plates will not be passed. We will have them available on a table in the rear of the Sanctuary as you enter or leave.
  9. If you are apprehensive about worshipping together in church, we encourage you to remain home until you are confident about corporate worship.

                All of us will need to continue to have “the patience of saints!” Our meeting together may not be what it was, but it’s a step in the right direction. What a loving and gracious God we serve!

                In Psalm 145, King David makes that very point, and writes this: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Were this not so, our constant sinning would have disqualified us from even the possibility of heaven. But God sent His Son to bear our sin and to be our Savior, not so we would have a trouble-free life. He gave us faith in Jesus so that one day we would ALL overcome this world of sin.

Your brother in Christ,

Rev. Robert Weikart

Uncategorized - 06/02/2020

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1696 Providence Blvd Deltona, FL 32725

386-789-3300
lutheranchurchofprovidence@gmail.com

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