February 18, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Lent 2024: “Why Follow?” Holden Evening Prayer worship at 6:30 pm, Meal at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night starting on February 21st.
Belonging (February 21): Following Jesus together gives us a sense of belonging and community with one another. Matthew 4:18-22. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.
Purpose (February 28): Following Jesus gives a purpose and direction to our lives in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Galatians 5:13. Meal served by the Men of Trinity Strength (March 6): Following Jesus gives us strength beyond just ourselves. Matthew 11:28 -30. Meal served by Church Council.
Hope: (March 13) Following Jesus gives us hope for the future and an assurance that God’s mercy is for us. Hebrews 11:1. Meal served by the Women of Trinity.
Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.
Lagers with the Lord February 19th, 6 pm, at Buckshot’s.
Crew this Wednesday, February 21st, 3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3rd-6th graders.
Looking for an usher for March. If you are willing, please contact PB.
We are looking for substitute crossing guards. Looking for especially afternoon shifts, a few times a month. Shift is from 3 pm till 4 pm. Training and equipment provided. If you are interested, contact PB.
Order Easter Lillies! You can adorn the sanctuary with Easter Lillies for Easter by ordering them by Sunday, March 10th. Make checks payable to Trinity. See attached form. No orders will be accepted after March 10th.
MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD
“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:16-17
When I have to remind myself of something, I put it on a post it note. It could be shopping list when we need groceries, it might be a to-do list that is next to my computer in the office. Heck, even on this computer I have a digital post-it note to remind myself of things. That doesn’t even count the reminders that come from the calendar that is on my phone of upcoming events and appointments and the rest. I really need a lot of reminders because not only do I have ADHD, but I tend to be busy and have a lot of balls in the air. Maybe you are very similar. You need those post-it notes, those text reminders, those calendar alerts to keep your life in order and to remember everything you are supposed to do.
That is why the following verses give me comfort. Because even God needs a reminder. These verses are the end of the Noah’s Ark story. God has flooded the earth but has made a covenant, a promise, with Noah and his descendants, to never do it again. But to make sure God doesn’t forget that promise, God puts the rainbow in the sky to be a reminder of God’s promise. Even God needs a post-it note. Even God needs a reminder. Even better, the rainbow isn’t just a reminder for God but a reminder for all of humanity of God’s promise to us as well. For we of course would forget about the promise God made to us as well.
Jesus is a reminder as well of God’s promise to love us. We forget that we are loved and Jesus is that reminder that we are loved and that we have the promise of eternal life. In those moments of doubt and pain, of searching and longing, Jesus is the assurance that God has not forgotten us. Jesus is the reminder that God is there, defeating sin and death for us and bringing us to eternal life. For it is easy to forget, even the biggest things in life.
Post-it notes remind me of the tasks and things I need to do in life. The rainbow is a reminder to God, and to all of us, of God’s promise to us. And Jesus is a reminder that no matter what, I am saved by grace through faith. That I am loved and not alone. Jesus is that same reminder for all of you. If you ever doubt that you are loved, that there is hope, just look to Jesus. He is your reminder. He is your post-it note that there is hope, that you are loved, and that you are saved. May God bless you today and always!