Ministry of the Month
Each month at Trinity we will be highlighting a different ministry, mission, or service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. This will include a newsletter article each month giving background information about what the organization does and what we can do to support them in their work. Also, one of the Sundays each month after the worship service, we will take a door offering to support the Ministry of the Month. The purposes of having a Ministry of the Month are to raise awareness of ministries that exist in our church body and to give us an opportunity to put our faith into action by making an impact in the lives of others.
Catechism and Hymn Memory Work
I know, I know, memory work is, well, work. I wish I had a better title for it. Each month in your newsletter there will be a half sheet of paper with a section of Luther’s Small Catechism and a verse of a hymn from Lutheran Service Book printed on it. This is designed to be a tool for family devotions. In his Small Catechism, Luther led off each of the Six Chief Parts with the words “As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.” In this case, the entire congregation can learn sections of the Catechism together. Sometimes it will be quite short (like this month). Other months it may be a little longer (the meanings to the Articles of the Creed, for example). The hymn verse will always be taken from one of the hymns that we sing during one or more of the services each month.
Private Confession and Absolution
This is actually nothing new. If you come to Bible Class (If you don’t come to Bible Class, you should!), you’ve heard me speak of the great comfort that comes through hearing a pastor directly forgive you for sins committed. Luther speaks very highly of it. In fact, we’ve always had private confession and absolution available, but I’ve never set aside a specific time period that I would be available each week. It will be different in 2012. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning from 8am to 9am, I will be in my office and available for private confession. The north entrance to the narthex will be unlocked during this time, and you can come to the back door of my office through the sanctuary. If 8-9am on those days doesn’t work for you, I am always available by appointment (979-256-7197).
It is my hope that these new additions to what we do at Trinity will be a blessing to you and your family as you learn of new ways to serve your neighbor, grow in your faith as individuals and as a family, and receive the forgiveness won for you on the cross by Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Vandercook
