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Emmaus Lutheran
Church
December,
D
February, 2015
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
MEETING
REMINDERS
February 2nd – 9:30 AM,
LWML Meeting
February 2nd – 7:30 PM,
Elder’s Meeting
February 8th
Valentine Dinner
Following Worship
February 8th
Youth Group Meeting
Following Valentine
Dinner
th
February 18 – 7:30 PM
Ash Wednesday Worship
February 19th – 6:00 PM
Thursday Worship
With Holy Communion
February 25th – 7:30 PM
Wednesday Lent Service
As we approach the month of February, our minds shift to thoughts of
the meaning of “love” in the relationships that we hold dearly. In taking stock of
those loving relationships we look to carry out ways of showing appreciation for
that love, in ways to let others know of our love for them.
I can think of no better way or time to open in
addressing you by this forum, than in recognition of the
many people of this congregation who have
demonstrated their love for Karen, Lisa and I as we have
just arrived. The unconditional love you have shown us
has truly been in the spirit of what our Lord Jesus Christ
has given each of us, as we live out our lives to His glory.
King David, in expressing the love that God had
shown him says, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will
praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my
hands” (Psalm 63:3). For all that David did in his life; he knew God’s love for
him was unconditional. And in return for God’s love, he sought ways in which
he could express his appreciation.
Our Lord Jesus shows His love for us, that “while we were still sinners,
He (Christ) died for us” (Romans 5:8). St. Paul addresses the Romans when He
explains God the Father’s love for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. That
“through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which
we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” And he goes on further
to say, “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:2,
5).
Throughout his own life, St. Paul exhibits love, in the spirit of which he
speaks. He addresses each of the churches and individuals, with that same love
and encouragement. Ultimately he ends up in Rome, standing in front of the
emperor, not knowing what kind of response that this will elicit. And still, in the
witness and testament of his Lord Jesus, he knows what he must do.
Preaching the “love” in God’s Word is probably one of the most
important lessons a pastor can do, and in essence it should come easy. Still, as
your pastor, I pray that I may always be ready to live up to the example that
Paul has shown and more importantly what was shown in the name of our Lord
Jesus, Christ. Thank you again for the kindness in love that you have shown for
my family and me!
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor David Kern
Pastor David W. Kern
Church Phone: (618) 377-6221
Home Phone: (618) 377-9677
Cell Phone:
(619) 218-7310
ELDERS
The elders will meet Monday, February 2nd at 7:30 PM. The elder on duty in February is
Jonathan Becker.
LWML
The LWML will meet Monday, February 2nd at 9:30 AM.
CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS
The 2014 contribution statements are in members’ mailboxes in the Sunday School room.
Please pick them up so that we can save the cost of sending them out.
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS
Our Wednesday morning Bible class meets at 9:30 AM in the homes of various members. Our
normal schedule is fellowship and refreshments from 9:30 to 10:00, with the Bible class beginning at
10:00. We are continuing our Study of the miracles of Jesus. During February we will meet in the
following locations: February 4th, Deloris Whitlock; February 11th, Karen and Pastor Kern; February
18th, Jean Bertels; February 25th, Dolores and Gene Bertels. Everyone is welcome to come and join
us.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY
st
Sunday
February 1
Sunday
February 8th
Sunday
February 15th
Wednesday February 18th
Sunday
February 22nd
Deuteronomy 18:15-20;
1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28
Isaiah 40:21-31; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27;
Mark 1:29-39
2 Kings 2:1-12 or Exodus 34:29-35;
2 Corinthians 3:12-13 (14-18); 4:1-6;
Mark 9:2-9
Joel 2:12-19; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Genesis 22:1-18; James 1:12-18;
Mark 1:9-15
Green
Fourth Sunday
after Epiphany
Green
Fifth Sunday
after Epiphany
Green
Transfiguration of
Our Lord
Purple
Ash Wednesday
Purple
First Sunday in
Lent
FEBRUARY USHER SCHEDULE
The February usher schedule is as follows: Sunday, February 1st, Scott Aljets and Ken Heuer;
Sunday, February 8th, Ric Coyle and Malcom Anders; Wednesday, Sunday, February 15th, Eugene
Bertels and Matt Bertels; Ash Wednesday, February 18th, Sam Bertels and Rich Bertels; Sunday
February 22nd, David Leach and Allen Bertels; Wednesday, Lent Service February 25 th, Scott Aljets
and Ken Heuer.
ALTAR GUILD
The altar guild members serving in February are Charlene Anders and Mary Bixen.
EMMAUS OFFICERS
President:
Recording Sec.
Financial Sec.
Treasurer:
Elders:
Trustees:
Cemetery Com.
Memorial Fund:
Matt Bertels (14)
Rhonda Leach (13)
Marilyn Whitlock (13)
Sharon Holcomb (12)
Ed Gray (11), Jonathan Becker (12), Terry Close (13), Rich Bertels (14)
Blake Bertels (11) David Leach (12), Ken Wyatt (13); Scott Aljets (14)
David Leach (11), Jerry Deen (12), Kerry Bertels (13)
Carolyn Bockstruck
MEMBERSHIP REPORT FOR 2014
Baptisms:
Jack Breden – January 4, 2015, Rev. Willard Meyer
Funerals:
Robert Bixen – Died: Friday, June 20, 2014 – Funeral: Monday, June 24, 2014
Loraine Smith – Died: Thursday, December 11, 2014 – Funeral: Tuesday, December 16. 2014
Transfers:
Transfer In: Rev. David Kern, Karen – From St. Paul, West Frankfort
Transfer Out: Rev. David Stratmann, Christine, Andrew and Meredith – To Immanuel, St. Charles
Year End 2014:
Average Weekly Attendance: 71
(Vacation Bible School was combined with St. Peter’s – Prairietown)
RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER ELECTRONICALLY
If you would like to receive the monthly newsletter by email rather than by regular mail, e-mail
[email protected]. If you would like to pick it up at church, either in the church office or in
your church mailbox, please contact Chris Prager, [email protected] or Pastor Kern. This
would save on postage expenses. We will continue to mail the newsletter to those who prefer to
receive it in that way.
FEBRUARY YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Sunday, February 8th – There will be a short Youth Group Meeting following the Valentine Dinner.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Valentine Dinner – February 8th following worship. Adult Menu: Southwestern Soup; Mixed
Green Salad; Beef Brisket; Stuffed Pasta Shells and Corn; Dessert: Raspberry Sorbet Pie. Childs
Menu: Hot Dog, Chips and Applesauce. Ticket Prices: Adult: $10.00 and Child: $3.00.
ATTENDANCE FOR JANUARY
Sun., Jan. 4 – 77
Sun., Jan. 11 – 64
Thur., Jan. 15 – 5
Sun., Jan. 18 – 69
Sun., Jan. 18 - 92
(Pastor Kern’s Installation)
Sun., Jan. 25 – 70
Communion - 56
Communion - 5
Communion - 58
Please Note:
If your birth date has been incorrect or not listed, please contact Chris Prager so that our records are
updated and correct. Thank you. E-mail for Chris, [email protected] or (h) 377-8737.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
February
2 – Justin Carter
2 – Christopher Marshall
4 – Vicki Schilling
6 – Mark Bertels
7 – Reva Boxdorfer
9 – Geri Mitchell
11 – Ralph Boyd
February
15 – James Matteson
16 – Matthew Bertels
17 – Deborah Gray
18 – Caleb Bertels
21 – Glenn Halemeyer
22 – Paul Prager