Lutheran Church of Providence

July, 2019 Newsletter

 

Pastor’s Corner

 

Summer is here and it’s 95 degrees as I write this article. I’ve heard many people say it’s too hot, too humid and you can’t do anything. It’s funny but many of these same people complained at the start of the year that it was too cold and too dry. It seems like we are never satisfied with what God gives us. (Sounds a lot like the children of Israel, doesn’t it?). I wonder what would happen if we praised instead of complained to God about His choices for us. Up north there was a lot of complaining that the cold weather would never leave. It seems like we like to complain instead of celebrating all the blessings God has given us.

When it gets real hot out we tend to stay inside or be out by the water. Most people slow down and go at a more relaxed pace. Maybe that’s good for us to take it a bit easier than if the weather was what we wished it to be. How often do we look for the good and the positive rather than complain about what we don’t like?

In the ‘Daily Walk’ readings we are in the book of Psalms and find David was ‘a man after my own heart.’ This was because David trusted God’s judgment no matter what happened. Perhaps we need to trust God more and complain less.

The ‘dog days’ of summer allow us to get caught up on many projects at the church. Some are property projects and some have to do with organization as well as plans for the future. The Church Council is working hard whether the temperature is 95 or 35. They are leading into the future to do God’s will and to help the church to grow. Some people might not like some of the decisions that are made but I beg you to be supportive of the direction we are heading in. With many people vacationing during the summer we need others to volunteer in the future ― especially when we are caught short in one area or another.

God is at work at the Lutheran Church of Providence. Let’s do our part to help the church go forward and let us be faithful to the work God has given us. In all things let us rejoice and celebrate that we are the people of God.

 

In His service,

Pastor Weikart

Lutheran Church of Providence

April, 2019 Newsletter

Pastor’s Corner

“Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been four months since my last confession.” The Roman Catholic priest then listens for a few minutes to the confession and says, “do ten Hail Mary’s, one Our Father and light three candles and your sins are absolved.

For us as Lutherans the process is a bit different. First of all we daily sin much and need to recount our sins regularly ― at least once a week before we partake of Holy Communion. Second, we confess our sins directly to God and not to the clergy although the clergy are available if we want to talk about something in our life but it’s not mandatory that we consult the clergy. Third, the minister does not tell the confessing person what they must do to be reconciled to God but the minister reassures them of God’s love and forgiveness of them by Christ’s death on the cross and His Resurrection to proclaim the victory over sin, death and the devil.

As you can tell from the above, there are great differences between denominations in how we are reconciled to God. As Lutherans we see what God has already done for us rather than what we need to do to return to the good graces of God.

Lent is about one half over and we are appalled at how often we have sinned against God. If it were up to us to be reconciled to God we would indeed be eternally lost. That’s why God sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth as a human being so He could live as one of us except without ever falling into sin. He was tempted as we are but didn’t yield to Satan’s wily ways. He was disobeyed, mocked, ridiculed, spit upon, beaten and ultimately crucified because of the sins you and I have committed. When He said from the cross “It is finished,” He was declaring once and for all the forgiveness of our sins. This is the forgiveness I, as Pastor, declare to you each Sunday. I, as God’s mouthpiece, declare your forgiveness won through Jesus’ death and resurrection for you.

Some people think that because Christ died for all sins that all people will go to heaven. The reality of it all is that Christ’s death must be accepted and believed if it is to atone for our sins. Being a member of a church isn’t enough; contributing to the church and/or the community isn’t enough; being ordained to the ministry or serving at the altar or on church council isn’t enough. It is only by believing and trusting that Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross and then rose again on the third day sealing the victory over sin, death and the devil that we are assured of eternal life.

Easter is coming soon and will be a time to celebrate the above. However, for Easter to truly be meaningful we must walk with Jesus to the “upper room” where He gives Holy Communion (the Eucharist or Thanksgiving meal) for the first time as He celebrates the Old Testament Passover meal after washing His disciples feet.
We will gather at 7:00 P.M. on Maundy Thursday, April 18 to worship God and partake of Holy Communion. The service will not have a benediction because we will continue the worship service on Good Friday, April 19 at 7:00 P.M. This service will be very solemn as we commemorate Christ’s death and end with a service of darkness (Tenebrae) as we hear a loud BANG signifying the rolling of the rock up to the entrance to the tomb. All is then silent for a few days.

On Sunday, April 21, we will happily gather for a breakfast (9:00 A.M.) together before we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection at 10:30 A.M. There will be Easter lilies in various places around the church, special music, a processional and bright colors as we joyfully celebrate Christ’s victory over the devil and His payment for our sins once and for all. We then will hear the joyful news “Because Christ lives, we will live also.” The only thing we need to ‘do’ is repent of our sins and believe and trust that Christ paid for them by His death and resurrection.

This ‘good news’ drives us to love God as He loves us and to desire to come and establish a close relationship to Him out of love and thankfulness. May God bless us as we continue our journey though Lent to Holy Week and then to Easter.

 

In His service,
Pastor Weikart

 

THOUGHTS AND REQUESTS

FROM PASTOR WEIKART

As we move forward in our church there are several needs that we have as a congregation. We need someone to volunteer to head up our Property Board. This is coordinating the tasks that need to be done to keep God’s house in the best repair all around.

We also need a person to volunteer to take care of our sign out front. We need to learn more about the programming of the sign and the various messages we can put on the sign. We must

regularly change the sign to inform the community of the activities of the church.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Easter is just around the corner! We have a lot going on at the Lutheran Church of Providence in the month of April and a lot of work around the church that needs to be done. Thank you to all the folks that are getting it done! The days are flying by. Soon we (myself , my wife and son) will head back to Northern Michigan for the summer and once again attend other LCMS churches and learn what they are doing to bring people back to the church and maybe we can copy their great ideas and use them in Deltona. The Council Vice-President Grady Gresham will fill in for me until I return Oct 1, 2019 and if there is a problem I can be reached by phone and if it’s a big problem I can fly back from Michigan in about 2.5 hours. I will call the Pastor and Grady once a week and get updated on Church events.

PRAISE THE LORD that Jesus loved us so that He suffered and died to take away the power of sin and death and Satan. PRAISE THE LORD that, for all caught in the bondage from which we cannot free ourselves, Jesus rose from the dead and offers forgiveness, eternal life, and life with a Christian purpose, through faith in Him.

Because Easter is late this year, I feel a special opportunity for us to remember and receive the blessings of Jesus’ suffering, His Death, and His rising. Please join all of us at the Lutheran Church of Providence in taking the month of April this year to continue your Lenten walk and observance with Jesus’ family at your church. Please take the month of April this year to really celebrate Jesus’ Easter victory, which is also our victory through faith!

 

A Child of God,
Roy Armstrong

 

FOOD PANTRY

The Food Pantry at the Lutheran Church of Providence is our outreach to the community to feed the hungry. We are open the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 9:00 A.M. ― 10:00 A.M. We serve almost 60 families each week. We also do a food drop twice a year where 25,000 pounds of food is delivered from Second Harvest in Orlando.

 

QUILTS

We have a group at the Lutheran Church of Providence who are making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. This organization sends quilts all over the world for people in need. The quilts are used in many different ways. They are used for warmth, tents, flooring and to carry children. Our mission is strictly funded by donations and volunteers. If you can spare some time, we would appreciate any help you can give. You do not need to be a quilter to help put the quilts together. Any donations are greatly appreciated. We need material, cotton or cotton poly, used (unstained sheets) – any size or color will do or money donations. Please do not donate any material with religious or political symbols on it. These symbols could be misinterpreted and jeopardize the distribution to the people.

We would like to make and donate 100 quilts this year. I realize this is an ambitious number, but with the help of God, all things are possible. I read an article about a church with three members, all in their 90’s, who made and donated 100 quilts. So come on and let’s give it our best. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. My number is 386-747-6082. We meet at the church the first and last Tuesday of every month from 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

 

Sandy Wylie

 

MEMORIALS

Memorials were given to the Roof Fund in memory of Mr. Harry Domenech from: Roy and Diana Armstrong, Bob and Mary Kohli, Myrtle Wells, Melanie and David Scheumann, Kathi Grages, Grace Grages-Friedrich, Nancy Barnickel, Evelyn Scott, Gaye and Jim Vogel, Judy Zarling, Carol and Ken Huebner, and Greta Davis.

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 1^st 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 6^th 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 17^th, 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 4^th.

 

MENS’ BREAKFAST

March’s Mens’ Breakfast will be held at Osteen Diner on Tuesday, March 12^th, at 9:00 A.M.

 

MEMORIALS

A memorial was received by Myrtle Wells in memory of Mr. Frank Scherrer dedicated to the Roof Fund.

Lutheran Church of Providence

February, 2019 Newsletter

 

Pastor’s Corner

“I want a wall no matter what!” (Trump) “I won’t give even a dollar for a wall!” (Pelosie)

The government is partially shut down but as citizens we shouldn’t have to suffer and TSA workers should show up even if they’re not being paid. (Many Americans have said this.)

What the young man from Covington, KY did to the elderly Native American was not right. Woops ― I didn’t see the whole video but he still should have acted differently. (Media reports.)

Isn’t it interesting how we as a country are divided on who we are and what we’re doing. We say ‘one nation under God’ but then we dig our heals in and argue, threaten, and demean others because we don’t agree with them. If someone on the outside was looking at us they’d wonder what we really stand for.

As bad as the above is, it also happens in the church. Over the years many people haven’t agreed with what God says, so they change it and then we fight over it. This has happened with abortion, marriage, using God’s name in vain, stealing, using chemicals and even with worship.

You have to admit though that Satan is good. He knows how to get us to fight among ourselves and to forget about Him. He knows how to con us into not attending worship because we don’t agree with someone or something at church. He knows how to distract us from the directions God has given us and from obeying the 10 Commandments as God gave them to Moses. Satan wants us each to demand our own way and to get upset if we don’t get it. Jesus talked about a house divided and what will happen to it ― it will not stand.

Regularly we need to get back to the basics and ask ourselves what it means to be an American and a Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church of Providence. As a church what is our mission? It is to seek and save the lost. It’s not to be entertained, or to get our own way, or to amass a large sum of money. It is to grow in the knowledge and grace of God and to further His kingdom not ours.

I encourage us all to be daily in God’s word (perhaps with the Daily Walk Bible), to set aside daily a time for prayer especially including others and the church, to look for opportunities to serve others such as through the food band and the quilting group and to seek out others who need encouragement and support. Let’s not do it to ‘earn’ anything from others but let us do it out of love for God and for others. Let’s make a recommitment that we will worship God in His house weekly and partake of the sacraments for the forgiveness of our sins.

We all belong to God’s family ― let us work together for His will and for His glory. May God be Praised.

 

In His service,

Pastor Weikart

 

 

FELLOWSHIP UPCOMING EVENTS

• Sunday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Dinner after worship (free will offering)
• Sunday, March 31st, Pot Luck
• Thursday, April 4th, Food Drop (12 noon — 2 pm) —pending
• Sunday, April 21st, Easter Breakfast (before 10:30 service)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lutheran Church of Providence
January, 2019 Newsletter

Pastor’s Corner

Another year is over and many people are looking for a new start in life. New Year’s resolutions are being made for things like losing weight, exercising more, spending less money, giving up smoking and many other things that will improve our life style. This comes as we close out the Christmas season and begin the year 2019.

Christmas has been a time not only for giving and receiving gifts but also for a new start in life. God becomes human by coming to earth as an innocent baby boy. After living a perfect sinless life, He willing gives up His life to put an end to sin, death and the devil. Satan has no more power over us and we get to start a new life. But what does it mean to start a “new life?” First of all it means that we rededicate ourselves to being the sons and daughters of God. This means that we strive to be obedient to all God says and that we aim to follow God’s will. Perhaps you’ve not been reading the Bible – now’s a good time to start with the Daily Walk Bible. Perhaps you have been sporadic in your worship of God – now is a good time to schedule in weekly worship of God instead of indulging in what temporally pleases US on any given Sunday. Perhaps we’ve been concerned about things on the earth instead of focusing on being with God here on earth and planning on a reunion with God when our life on earth ends. Perhaps we’ve taken our faith for granted and haven’t purposely thought about why we are here and what we are doing. Perhaps we try to guide our own life instead of coming to God in prayer and trusting Him to lead and guide us.

As you can tell there are many ways that we can have a new start in life if we choose to or we can just go on doing what we’ve done in the past even if we don’t feel complete or fulfilled.
This year can be a big one for the Lutheran Church of Providence. We are seeing many visitors at church who can help us reach out and expand our programs into the community. We can also plan towards calling a full time Pastor to be able to leading us as we serve the community.

We have had several people who experienced medical problems in the past year and have been blessed with the gift of healing. As their health returns we will have more resources to choose from and more programs we can restart.

One thing we need to do, however, is to follow the guidance of God and to build each other up in the church instead of criticizing and tearing down. When people work against what the church is doing Satan gets the upper hand and the work of the church comes to a standstill. If individuals don’t agree with the direction our Church Council is taking, then they need to take it to the Council. If Council makes a decision and some individuals don’t agree with it, perhaps they can find a church that agrees with their philosophy, theology and direction. It is better to change affiliations than to tear apart a worshiping community.

2019 can be the best year we’ve had yet. Let us rededicate ourselves to God and go forward in faith and love. Thank you for all your help and love in the past as I look forward to a year of growth and service.

In His service,
Pastor Weikart

Fellowship

Thank you to our many members who donated food over the Advent season for the Food Pantry. We give thanks to God for our generous and kind members.Many thanks to all those who helped over Christmas making the birth of our Savior a memorable experience for all. We thank those who participated in the gifts for the Angel Tree, and for the special music, the poinsettias, the beautiful chrismons on the new Christmas tree as well as those who did the regular tasks of the church such as ushering, greeting people, setting up Holy Communion and the distribution of the Eucharist.

​​​​ Epiphany January 6th