Tidings 04/14/22

A Message from Pastor Amy

I’m not one for substitutionary atonement. This is a fancy name for the theological understanding that Jesus had to die for our sins, otherwise we’d really be in trouble. In my experience, this understanding of the cross, God, and Jesus creates more problems than it solves. I’ve been asked/wondered myself:

Does that mean God was going to kill us?
How is this “Good News?”
What kind of Creator God demands such sacrifice?
I thought Jesus was all about the ‘new covenant’ so why did he die in the same fashion the ‘old covenant’ demanded?

Not to satisfy God’s wrath. Not to step into our place and protect us from God. Jesus died because human beings operate out of fear; we jealously guard control; we work to prolong our power. Jesus died not for us but because of us. Those in power who were threatened by Jesus ensured he’d be killed. The average person, through passive witness and the cumulative effect of oppression, allowed his death to happen. Jesus may have died 2,000 + years ago but the human causes remain among and in us now.

So, what does this mean, ask the Lutherans? How does salvation come out of this concentrated madness that kills God on the cross? If Jesus isn’t standing in for us, how do we get saved? (Lean in close, this is important)

Grace. The answer is God’s grace gives us salvation. God, eternal and divine, God makes a way where there is no way. (Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.) We kill God and yet God uses our sin for the salvation of the world. (Luke 11: 12-13 If your child asks for an egg, will you give a scorpion instead? If we know how to be loving to our children, how much more will God show love to us?) God does this because it is God’s nature, God’s way of being. God gives grace.

The cross of Jesus shows us that it is the nature and power of God to take even the most potent form of human cruelty and transform it into hope for all people, for all time. The cross shows us that there truly is nothing we can do that will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39)

I believe in the power of God to make miracles and the empty cross is evidence of it.

Giving God Glory,

Pastor Amy

Holy Week Worship Schedule

April 14 MAUNDY THURSDAY – 6:30 p.m.
April 15 GOOD FRIDAY – 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
April 17 EASTER SUNDAY – 6:30, 8:15, & 10:45 a.m.

Important Notice!

Railings outside of the building will be taken down for maintenance after Easter. Please use caution while using the stairs, or use door No. 7 at the top of the parking lot. The railings will return shortly.

Little Free Pantry Volunteer Opening

There is an opening for a volunteer to help with the Little Free Pantry on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. If you are interested in filling this spot, please contact Becky Tuttle at bjtuttle@charter.net or Polly Schull at pollya@charter.net.

2022 Elkhorn Conference Spring Gathering

Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Luncheon to follow.

Hosted by: St John’s Lutheran Church 129 N. Watertown St., Johnson Creek, WI 53038

This year’s theme: Wrapped in Love

RSVP to aljulie_wright@hotmail.com by April 18th! More info on the church website:

https://trinityfort.org/2022-elkhorn-conference-spring-gathering/

Visitation Ministry

The Visitation Ministry is one of many service opportunities volunteers may participate in at Trinity. I strive to bring communion to the members on my visitation list about once a month. Some of the members on my list are very social and would enjoy an additional visit either by phone or in person. If you would like to learn more about this ministry opportunity, please contact me either by email: julievtlc@yahoo.com or by phoning the church at 920-563-4145 ex. 4.

Fellowship Event at Fireside Theatre

We have reserved a group of tickets at the Fireside Theatre to see The Church Basement Ladies in “A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement” on May 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Contact the church office to reserve your spot and to ensure you get the group rate ($70.95/ticket). All payments need to be made to Trinity Lutheran Church by the end of April. Only 18 spots left!

STAR is looking for more members!

Just one requirement: wanting to work and play with fellow members to do good for our church community, our neighbors in need, and to share God’s Love.

Prayers Requested For . . .

Jeremy Barnes, Nick Bee, Dan Burke, Keith Burrow, Eric, Jackie, and Jamie Dassow, Curtis Hoffer, Sarah Jones, Lee Jordan, Lynn Jordan, Brandi, Dan Klein, Rodney Krahn, Pat & Bob Kyle, Keith LaPointe, Barb Manwaring, Ken and Doris, Ashley Montanye, Pam Nicholas, Violet Prust, Harold Rumppe, Marv, Olaf Stokstad, Roger Strege, Elna Verniese, Doug Wickham, Marilyn Young, Ethel, Marlene Zick.

Do you have a prayer concern? Email the prayer force at prayerforcetlc@gmail.com. People will gladly pray for you or your loved one with their whole hearts!