Happy VALENTINE’S DAY! What do you know about St. Valentine? He was a pastor in the Third Century who was martyred. Rev. William Weedon writes: “The very day that Valentine was to face his martyrdom, he is said to have brought consolation to the daughter of his jailer by writing to her a small note of encouragement. The young girl had reportedly come to love this godly man and was grieved at the thought of his death. But Valentine knew that death was a defeated enemy because of Christ’s death and resurrection. So he comforted the young lady. Hence, the custom of St. Valentine’s day notes arose, which has spread far and wide.” (“Celebrating the Saints,” Concordia Publishing House).
You know, some people are born and raised in the church and are part of the church their whole lives. Others seems to fall away as they grow up. Some come into the church excited to have become Christians but then they seem to fade away and we don’t see them any more. Why? How come some people stick around and others fade away from the Body of Christ? Jesus answers those questions in the Parable of the Sower. You won’t be surprised to learn that the devil, the world, and our sinful natures are at work trying to wreck the Word that Jesus plants in us. But here’s the kicker of this parable: By telling us this is how it is, Jesus is rescuing us from those very enemies that would try to destroy us and reminding us that His Word is powerful and produces in us faith and life and good fruits. It’s the Gospel this week for the Pre-Lenten Sunday of Sexagesima (about 60 days until Easter!)
We found out where our OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOXES were delivered: Chile, in South America! You can read about the country HERE. (And ask Bill Sund too. He has family there!)
We’re starting a new book of the Bible on Sundays at 8:00 AM. We’re going to be reading St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. This book, which is only four chapters is like pure, concentrated, full-power, Jesus-filled Good News that is given to comfort us in the crazy world in which we live. Remember: you’ll never be asked to read in Bible Study if you’re comfortable doing so. And you can ask as many or as few questions as you want! There’s no reason not to join us! Come learn and grow in God’s Word!
Our Dayschool’s OPEN ENROLLMENT for next year, the 2020-21 school year, begins this week! We have half-day and full-day classes for ages three through First Grade. We are also able to offer some limited grants for those who want to send their children here for Full Day Kindergarten or First Grade. Please pass the word and let friends and family know about our great school! You can get enrollment information and forms from the Office as well as our website. Call for a tour, too!
The Forty Days of Lent are just around the corner. Ash Wednesday is WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26. We’ll have a Lenten Supper at 5:30 PM and Divine Service at 7:00 PM. We’ll have the Imposition of Ashes for those who wish to receive them and Corporate Confession and Absolution. Join us each Wednesday starting then through Holy Week to focus on what the Lord is teaching us in the Lord’s Prayer. Why do we prayer? What is prayer for? How does prayer work? Those answers may not be what you think! Prayer will be our focus over those forty Lenten days.
Brandy has been on vacation this week. She’s earned it! She’ll be back in the office on Monday. Thanks to my wife Susan, and Pam Brackman for covering the office in her absence!
When Jesus plants His Word in you, He waters it and gives it growth so that you produce fruits: faith that trusts in Him and good works that serve your neighbor. Come be watered and given your “Miracle Grow” as Jesus gives His gifts. See you in the Divine Service!
In Christ,
Pastor Buetow
Learning the Faith: Learning the different parts of the church that point us to Jesus. It’s call the “nave” because it’s like a ship.
Download this week’s Bulletin, Daily Devotions, NewsNotes and Volunteer Schedules from our website here:
