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From the Pastor: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our

weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Misery Loves Company?

That’s a strange expression, isn’t it – misery loves company? But it is not

entirely accurate; it’s what we could call a half-truth. None of us would wish

for misery on others. But isn’t it true that we have a certain degree of peace

in knowing that there are people who have faced or are facing the same

circumstances as we are? We don’t want to be alone in our struggles. We

want to know that someone else understands, cares, and feels for us and with

us. The phrase, “You have my sympathy,” is packed with a lot more

significance than we often realize. It literally means, “I am suffering with

you.” This is why support groups are formed. People who experience the

same trial or tribulation – whether it be addiction, physical illness, mental

illness, bereavement or a whole host of life’s other heartaches – find comfort

in the encouragement, strength, and advice they receive in such a fellowship.

My family is grateful for your expressions of sympathy in the aftermath of the death of our unborn

grandson, Samuel. Every card, email response, hug, tap on the shoulder, or watery-eyed statement of

concern meant a lot to us. It was an affirmation of the fact that you care about us and that the lives of

unborn children do matter. Some of you have even shared your own similar, difficult experiences with us.

How true it is that no one ever “gets over” grieving. Bereavement is a lifelong process, as we allow our

loving Lord to heal us each day and fill us with His peace.

Every Sunday we confess our belief in the Holy Christian Church. The Creeds further describe the Church

as a Communion of Saints. What a stunning affirmation that is of God’s intention for us to love, care for,

and support one another. None of us is an island. We are not merely a gathering of strangers, but brothers

and sisters in Christ. St. Paul reminds us (Romans 12:15) to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with

those who weep.” When we stay away from Church we are not only depriving ourselves of the gifts that

Christ gives us in Word and Sacrament; we are also depriving our fellow believers of the opportunity to

support and care for us, and our opportunity to do the same for them.

As we gather together as God’s people, we also affirm the fact that we need One who is greater than all of

us. Scripture describes our Savior Jesus as the Great Sympathizer. Because He was like us in every way,

except without sin, He understands the heartaches of life. He, too, experienced temptation, anger, grief,

and the whole range of human emotions. But not only does our Savior suffer with us, He has also suffered

for us. Because of His great love, He became an active participant who came into this fallen world to

experience our hurts and suffer for our sinful failures. Only He could win our salvation and conquer

death. Because He experienced the misery of the cross and was numbered with the sinners, we can have

the joy of salvation and be counted among the company of the saints.

In Christ,

The Illuminator The Newsletter of Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS) – Moline, IL

March 2020

The Illuminator March 2020

How to contact Pastor Karsten: The Holy Cross Church office telephone number is (309) 764-9720.

Pastor and Lynette have discontinued their land line. He can be reached on his cell phone at (309) 716-

2375. Lynette’s number is (309) 716-2376. If you wish to send Pastor an email, his personal address is

[email protected]. Please do not hesitate to contact him at any time with any need.

A reminder from Pastor Karsten: Please continue to let me know when you are hospitalized. Word of

your hospitalization does not always reach the church, especially if you are admitted on the weekend or

through the Emergency Room. The vicar and I are more than glad to visit and share God’s Word with

you. Please also let me know if you or someone you know is either temporarily or permanently

homebound, and I will be glad to bring the Lord’s Supper to you. Please keep me informed of your

circumstances, and I will be glad to minister to you.

Holy Cross Web Site: www.holycrossmoline-lcms.org

Church office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 2 pm

Connie McKean, Church Secretary: email [email protected]

Office Phone number (309) 764-9720

Vicar Marks can be reached at the church or 716-785-1960

If you need transportation to a service in the church van, please phone driver

Jim Schuler. His phone number is 615-887-1559.

Email is the quickest and most convenient way to receive the Illuminator. Please supply the office with

your email address, if you are not currently receiving the Illuminator via email. If you are not currently

on Connie’s email list for the newsletter or Pastor’s email list for death notices and would like to be,

please send your address to either [email protected] or [email protected].

Holy Cross is again partnering with the Mississippi Valley

Blood Center by hosting our next blood drive on Tuesday

March 31 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. If you donate blood on a regular

basis, you must wait 56 days (8 weeks) from your last donation. A

sign-up sheet is available for you to donate. For more

information, contact Melissa Thorngren or Marcia Green.

Looking Ahead: March (and late February) Special Events

February 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25 – Midweek Lenten Meals and Services

Friday March 6 – Choral Evening Prayer with Concordia Theological Seminary Kantorei, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday March 15 – Directory Photos, 10:40-4:00 p.m.

Monday March 16 – Directory Photos, 10:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday March 21 – Youth/Adult Liturgy Day, 2:00 p.m.

Sunday March 22 – Rock Island Circuit Youth Bible Bowl, 2:00 at St. John, East Moline

Saturday March 28 – Directory Photos, 10:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday March 28 – Fiesta Fundraiser for Cristo Rey at Immanuel, Rock Island, 5:00-7:30

Sunday March 29 – Directory Photos, 10:40 – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday March 31 – Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Drive at Holy Cross, 2:00-6:00 p.m.

The Illuminator March 2020 ___ _

From the Vicar: “From the Vicar: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will

stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Relationships Count As we think about all the things that are happening in our society today it’s only natural to ask ourselves

the question, “How have we gotten to where we are?” The general acceptance of that which is clearly

unbiblical would have seemed unfathomable just a generation or two ago. St. Paul’s words to the

Corinthians seem appropriate for our world today. “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.

All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” (I Corinthians 10:23) Of course Paul was specifically

speaking about particular Old Testament laws which were no longer required to be followed, but in

society today it seems as though all things are becoming lawful, and yet many things which are lawful

today certainly are not helpful and do not build up the body of Christ.

As much as our world’s lack of adherence to God’s Word is a result of the fact

that so many have taken up the task of deconstructing the Bible, rendering it

impotent by questioning its authority and outright denying its truth, we suffer just

as greatly from the fact that people simply are not hearing the Word of God as

they used to. For those who grew up in the mid-20th century, and even for me

toward the end of it, families still valued the teaching of God’s Word and brought

their children to church to hear it. Not that we can track which commandments

are broken more often than others, but I would venture to guess that “Remember

the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” would be near the top of the list. Luther

writes in his meaning to the commandment, “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise

preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.”

It should be our joy to gather together around Word and Sacrament and yet fewer and fewer are doing so

on a regular basis. We lament the fact that our younger generations are absent from our assembly. Some

have even dedicated themselves as a church to attract them by making church what they think that the

younger generation wants. Too often this approach simply creates a situation where what is being offered

is what we think people want, as opposed to what we all need. A new study has recently been published

by Concordia Publishing House which attempts to get to the heart of the matter by actually speaking to

those in these younger generations directly. The 2017 LCMS Millennial Survey is an effort to hear from

those who have both stayed in and also those who have left the church to gain a greater understanding of

the reasons for each as well as how our church body (and others) can continue to engage those who we

see less and less.

I will admit that I have not yet read the entire study and its findings, but the title of the printed work gives

a preview of the findings which many of us could have probably guessed. Relationships Count is a nearly

400-page document which I believe will assist us all in engaging those who have left, or never been

connected to, the church. I look forward to sharing more with you about this important work and how it

may benefit the kingdom of God here on earth through Holy Cross. We all know that relationships count

and most important of those relationships is ours with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. May we each

be convinced of our unique role in allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us as we do the Lord’s work of

bringing the truth of God’s Word to our world and reaching the lost for Christ. The study can be

downloaded as an e-book for free at either Amazon or iBooks and an extra hard copy is available in the

church office. Maybe you’d like to read it too and we can engage in some conversation.

Blessings in the Lord, who has mercy,

The Illuminator March 2020 ___ _

From the Youth Director/Sunday School Superintendent: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

There is truly never a dull moment with the kids here

at Holy Cross. Not only do we have energetic,

enthusiastic, and creative youth, but some

extraordinary adults who help out as well. I love the

energy they bring to our program! The 7th through

12th graders are studying hard every Sunday for the

Bible Bowl. Our team is Bella Dawson, Cali Elliot,

Max Serre and Jonah Marks and they are working

hard on the Book of Acts with our very own Vicar

Marks. The District Bible Bowl will be held on

Sunday, March 22nd at 2 pm at St. John’s Lutheran

Church in East Moline. Keep them in your prayers, and feel

free to tell them so when you see them in church!

On February 8th kids of all ages gathered to study Isaiah 40:31.

We talked about how God gives us strength – strength to live

our lives and strength to bounce back from our mistakes

through forgiveness. We also talked a little bit about the

physics of actually flying and started to experiment with

different paper airplane designs to see whose would fly the

furthest! There were also rocket balloon races and games

with balloons. It was a fun day!

Looking forward, Christian Education is hosting the March

11th Lenten Dinner, all funds to go to Vacation Bible School.

Liturgy Day will be March 21st at 2 pm. This is an event for

the entire congregation! Pastor and Vicar will take us through

the shape and meaning of our services, the Church year, our

music and even our building. We’ll finish the event with

snacks and liturgy bingo with prizes. Join us!

Please put Journey to the Cross and Easter Egg Hunt on your

calendar – that will be held Saturday, April 11th at 1 pm. This

is a great event to invite family and friends to! Also, here’s

some big news! Vacation Bible School “Rainforest

Explorers" is scheduled for the week of June 8th – June 12th

from 9 am to 3 pm. Spread the word!

Thank you, Holy Cross, for your continued support. Please feel free to invite anyone to our age-

appropriate events. This is a fantastic group of young ones and we all enjoy making new friends.

In Christ,

Susan Serre


You are always welcome at any of our weekly Bible Classes. You do not need to start at the beginning of

a unit or topic. Please come whenever you can.

Vicar Marks’s Tuesday morning class is studying the Gospel of Matthew, with the following

schedule:

March 3 – Matthew 6:19-34, Lay Up Treasures in Heaven/Don’t be Anxious

March 10 – Matthew 7:1-29, Judging/Golden Rule/Build Your House on the Rock

March 17 – Matthew 8:5-17; 15:21-31, The Faith of the Centurion/Canaanite Woman

March 24 – Matthew 21:1-22, The Triumphal Entry/Cleansing the Temple/Cursing the Fig Tree

March 31 – Matthew 26:1-29, The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Pastor Karsten’s Tuesday evening class is entitled God the Father

& The Trinity. March topics are:

March 3 – Trinitarian Heresies

March 10 – Grace & The Mercy of God

March 17 – Justice & The Wrath of God

March 24 – No Class, Pastor in Fort Wayne

March 31 – Human Tragedies & the Love/Will of God

The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class and Sunday School lessons

for March are:

March 1 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand, John 6:1-15

March 8 – Jesus Heals a Deaf Man, Mark 7:31-37

March 15 – The Good Samaritan, Luke 10: 25-37

March 22 – The Lord’s Prayer, Luke 11:1-13

March 29 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd, John 10/Psalm 23

† † †

On Ash Wednesday, February 26 the forty-day season of

Lent begins. Special Wednesday evening services are held

at 7:00 p.m. each week. The services are preceded by

dinner from 5:00-6:15, and by hymn singing at 6:45 (with

the exception of Ash Wednesday). Our theme this year is

Following Jesus, Our Greatest Giver, with Rock Island

Circuit pastors and Vicar Marks doing a pulpit exchange.

This year we will again have the imposition of ashes

preceding the service on Ash Wednesday. A short, ten-

minute service will be held on February 26 in the sanctuary at 4:45 for those who wish to have ashes

imposed. Those desiring ashes who are unable to attend at 4:45 may come to the sacristy at 6:45 for the

imposition. Here is our complete Lenten schedule:

Date Meal Host Sermon Topic Preacher

February 26 LWML Following Jesus with Sincerity Karsten

March 4 Mutual Encouragement Following Jesus with Generosity Anderson

March 11 Christian Ed/Youth Following Jesus in Right Use of Office Hagen

March 18 Elders/Thrivent Following Jesus in Humble Service Eddy

March 25 Choir Following Jesus in Self-Sacrifice Umbarger

April 1 Evangelism Following Jesus in Good Confession Sommerer

(Watch the weekly bulletin for Lenten meal menus and beneficiaries of the meal offering.)


Choir rehearsals have resumed. New singers are welcome to join us as we

prepare music for the Lent and Easter seasons. Rehearsals are ordinarily on

Wednesday at 6:00, with an occasionally change to Tuesday. Please consult

the calendar.

Can you play the bells? If you can count, you can play bells. Barb Rauh is

looking for willing people to join the bell choir. Practices are held on

Wednesday evenings at 5:00. If you would like to join or just have a

question, please call Barb at 309-269-4022.

We will be privileged to host the Kantorei of Concordia

Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, directed by Kevin

Hildebrand, as they present a Choral Evening Prayer at Holy

Cross on Friday March 6 at 7:00 p.m. Spread the word, and

please come to this inspirational evening of music and prayer. A

freewill offering will be taken to support the continued work of

the seminary in forming servants for the Church. Thanks to all

those who have agreed to host members of the choir.

The Stewardship Committee is

making plans to update and produce a new Photo Directory. The

plan is to start taking photographs beginning on Sunday March

15th from 10:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the following dates: Monday

March 16th, 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 pm.; Saturday March 28th,

10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; Sunday March 29th, 10:40 a.m. to 4:00

p.m.

A sign-up sheet for each day will be located in the entryway. The

sessions will occur in ten-minute intervals. Please sign up for a time

that works for you and your family. Another option is to provide a

medium resolution JPEG file. Send the JPEG file to Mike Zecher

at the following email address: [email protected]

If you have any questions, please see Bob Rauh on Sundays or call

him at 309-269-7229. Thanks for your support.

Bob Rauh Chairman, Stewardship Committee

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island is planning a

Fiesta Fundraiser for the Benefit of Cristo Rey Lutheran

Church. The event will be held at Immanuel on Saturday March

28 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. In addition

to delicious Mexican food, there will be a silent auction, bake

sale, music, and a piñata for the children. Everyone is invited.

Please come.

mailto:[email protected]


PRAYER LIST

Please help to keep this list current by calling the church office when a name can be added or

removed. Weekly updates will be included in each Sunday’s bulletin.

Amber Ridge- Oneta Curless, Hope Creek- Evelyn Owens, New Perspectives- Gordon

Sellmann, Generations, RI- Arlene Fanella, Wauconda, IL – Judy Butts, Woodridge

Supportive Living, Galesburg - Dick and Jean Ristau, Marian Jones, Hospice Care at Home:

George Sukach

Serving in the Military: Andrew Tolley (son of Carole Tolley), David Revel (son of Craig &

Laurie Revel, serving in Germany), Jeffrey Teuscher (nephew of Willie Swain), Leith Masri

(grandson of Marian Jones), Matthew Glider (grandson of Doris Glider), Austin Cox (grandson-

in-law of Sieg Paulsen), Paul Thorngren (nephew of Dan & Melissa Thorngren), Matthew

Patterson (son-in-law of Mike Waters, serving in Kuwait), Emilio Cantu (nephew of Jim and

Kathy Cramblett).

Treatment for Cancer: Lowell Ladewig (cousin of Claude Lohse), Mike Green, Jerry Tutskey,

Joanne Lyons (friend of Joyce Spidle), Steve Scanlon, Orville Reynolds (nephews and niece of

Russ and Gerri Stolze), Pat Champion (daughter of Marian Jones), Anna Wilson, Dave Patterson

(brother of Bev Wagner), Lynn Soenken (brother of Jeanette Eastman), Cheryl Hodge (friend of

Virginia Koontz), Paul Brug (cousin of Eugene Beckman), Bud Miller (son-in-law of George

Sukach), Harold Foster (brother-in-law of Bob Hellstrom), Judy Knudsen (sister of Allen

Stegemann), Hannah Clark (relative of Marilyn Noard), Jacey Moege (3-year-old relative of Sieg

Paulsen), Kristine Westmoreland, Judy Natzke (sister-in-law of Sandy Lohse), Rev. Harold

Teuscher (brother of Willie Swain), Dan Howe (brother-in-law of Tom & Sandy Morgan), Chris

Pace (niece of Tom & Sandy Morgan), Cari Kenney (friend of Tom & Sandy Morgan), John

Sedberry (friend of Ann Mangelsdorf); Kathy Sies (friend of Virginia Koontz).

Serious Health Concerns: Peggy Jones, Heidi Sias, Maureen DeLassus, Kelly Teuscher (niece

of Willie Swain), Marvin Hanson (uncle of Jill Safe), Tom Morgan.

Recovering/Ongoing Health Concerns: Mia (grand-daughter of Gwen & Terry Shrake), Oneta

Curless, Gary Johnson, Grant & Elizabeth Cobb, Jim Harder (brother of John & Mary Harder),

Jill Safe, Gwen Shrake, Alyssa Jones (granddaughter of Marian Jones), Fred Poe (grandson of

Virginia Koontz), Karen Techlin, Hallee & Jordan Fischer (cousins of Penny Dawson), Carol

Ferrell, Kimberly Sukach (daughter of George Sukach), Bonnie McClelland (granddaughter of

George Sukach), Dorothea Jamieson, Susan Jamieson, Joshua Duburg (cousin of Jill Safe), Sieg

Paulsen, Jim Graham, cousins of Sandy Lohse: Jim Miene, Dan & Carol Rodgers.


March Bible Reading Guide

03/01 Isaiah 64:1-9/Numbers 16-18

03/02 Psalm 85/Numbers 19-21






03/08 Psalm 91/Deuteronomy 1-3











03/19 Psalm 102/Luke 1

03/20 Psalm 103/Luke 2-3

03/21 Psalm 104/Luke 4-5

03/22 Psalm 105/Luke 6-7

03/23 Psalm 106/Luke 8-9

03/24 Psalm 107/Luke 10-11

03/25 Psalm 108/Luke 12-13

03/26 Psalm 109/Luke 14-15

03/27 Psalm 110/Luke 16-17

03/28 Psalm 111/Luke 18-19

03/29 Psalm 112/Luke 20-21

03/30 Psalm 113/Luke 22

03/31 Isaiah 64:1-9/Luke 23-24

March Birthdays According to our records, God has blessed you with the privilege of celebrating a birthday this month.

Please inform the Holy Cross office if this information is incorrect

Zach Johnson 3/1

Ali Mangelsdorf 3/2

Kyle Noard 3/2

Terrah Wallarab 3/2

Doris Stegemann 3/3

Kent Countryman 3/4

Michael Norris 3/4

Joyce O’Neal 3/6

Isabella Dawson 3/7

Audrey Elliot 3/8

Gloria Hoyt 3/8

Skye Byers 3/9

Doris Haber 3/9

Terry Kramer 3/9

Susan Serre 3/10

Don Freeman 3/11

Roxanne Kubatzke 3/12

Brandon Norris 3/14

Grant Cobb 3/15

Larry Bopes 3/16

Tera Elliott 3/16

Sarah Kretschmar 3/16

Jean Ristau 3/16

Jon Mason 3/17

Jan Sawvell 3/18

Rose Mahlburg 3/19

Jeanette Eastman 3/19

Phyllis Murdock 3/21

Elizabeth Schmidt 3/21

Jenna Fender 3/24

Linda Johnson 3/25

Rebecca Hill 3/26

Dace DeGerengel 3/27

Nancy Stewart 3/27

Brian Rauh 3/31

Robert Hill 3/31

Have you remembered the Lord’s work in your will and estate planning?

Bible Reading

15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our

weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without

sin. Hebrews 4:14

The Lord's Prayer – 6th Petition And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean?

God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so

that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into

false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by

these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Hymn: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days LSB 418

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days, Text (sts. 1–4): © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, number 100010556. Music: Public domain. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

March 2020

888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • [email protected] | 1

`

Over the New Year, the Asia area missionaries and their families gathered in Taiwan to study God’s Word, encourage one another, and for some respite. The president of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, Mr. Dwight Schettler trained us in reconciliation. This focusses on our vocation as Christians to love others and Christ has loved us. As Christians, we love by forgiving. God loved us by sending His Son to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Christ died for our neighbor so we can forgive them too. What does this have to do with mission work? Everything. Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It’s what Jesus preached. Forgiveness is what He commissioned the Apostles’ to preach. Forgiveness is the result of Jesus’ sacrifice. Forgiveness is the gift given to us in His Word, in Holy Baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper. Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to practice. When is the last time you told someone that

you forgave them? When is the last time someone told you that they forgave you? Missionaries are not exempt from having a difficult time forgiving. Missionaries also have the joy forgiving and teaching forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. I am thankful for the training we received in Taiwan. I know this training will be a blessing as I am in the position to teach and model forgiveness with the people of our partner church, as well as people outside the church. Thank you for your prayers and partnership in proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name in Sri Lanka.

Rev. Gnanakumar serves four congregations in the upcountry of Sri Lanka. The city of Hatton is central to three of these congregations and about an hour’s drive to the fourth. We have been negotiating to rent a property which will serve as a parsonage and ministry hub for this busy pastor. God willing, this will also provide an opportunity for outreach in the city of Hatton itself. Being a minority religion in a very religious country, means that we must be sensitive to our neighbors who could become suspicious and make it difficult to remain. Please pray for this ministry that Rev. Gnanakumar would be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt. 10:16

To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an email message to [email protected] with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject line.

SERVING THE LORD IN

SRI LANKA NEWS FROM THE MAHLBURG FAMILY January

2020

[email protected]

That repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. Luke 24:47

FORGIVENESS

Family Dates Wedding Anniversary August 11

Birthdays:

Steven January 27

Martha December 11

Autumn September 13

Liberty July 15

Skye May 29

Rose March 19

Duncan July 24

Having fun performing a skit on reconciliation with Caleb Ferry


888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • [email protected] | 2

We were quite busy after Autumn and Liberty came from America. Not long after they got here we went up country. We worshipped with the Saints at Good Shepherd in Westward Ho. After the service we enjoyed the cultural program that included dancing, passing out school packages, and an appearance by Santa.

On Christmas we worshipped at Immanuel in Colombo. Martha accompanied the hymns on her Bassoon. After the service Skye and Duncan took part in the cultural program by playing hymns on the electronic piano.

We did not have a lot of time to relax on Christmas as we needed to fly out that night for the Asia Region Family Retreat. We spent a few days in Taipei before taking the high speed rail and a bus to Kenting where the retreat was held. We enjoyed our time there with the other missionary families.

Too soon it was time to say goodbye to Autumn and Liberty. They flew east to America and we flew west to Sri Lanka. It was sad to see them go. We look forward to seeing them again.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• The music program

• More outreach opportunities in Sri Lanka

• Ministry center in Hatton

• Success of the proclamation of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Sri Lanka

GIVE THANKS FOR:

• For Autumn’s and Libi’s safe return to the US.

• Good health

• Missionary training in Taiwan

PRAISE GOD FOR:

• Forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name.

• Bringing people to faith in Christ.

• The many congregations and individuals who pray for us, encourage us and partner with us.

CONSIDER:

• Adding us to your congregation’s mission budget as a Together in Mission partner (Call 888-930-4438 for details).

• Starting, continuing, or increasing financial support for mission work in Sri Lanka (See below).

• Having a Skype update with your congregation, Bible study, Day School, Sunday School, Women’s group, etc…

Autumn, Liberty, Skye, Rose, & Duncan

There are many opportunities to serve as short-term or GEO missionaries. Check out the current list and download an application at lcms.org/service. Click on “Service Opportunities.”

To support the LCMS through the work of Steven Mahlburg, you may send a tax-deductible gift to:

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

Make checks payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Mark checks “Support of Mahlburg-Sri Lanka”. Gifts can also be given securely online through the LCMS website, on my online giving page at lcms.org/Mahlburg.

Family News

Together in Jesus’ Service,

Steven & Martha,

Autumn, Liberty, Skye, Rose, and

Duncan

SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: stevemahlburg

Twitter: twitter.com/MahlburgMission

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/missionSriLanka

Duncan playing the electronic piano

Martha and Libby

Skye playing on Christmas Day

Kindly consider a special gift to further support LCMS mission work in Sri Lanka. The instructions below explain how you can give this gift.

Martha and Autumn

Rosie taking a photo of me taking a photo

Showing his angelic side


http://lcms.org/service

Martin and Marie Dicke—Missionaries Serving the Lord in Papua New Guinea

October/November 2019

Volume 4, Issue 3

By Martin Dicke

Above is a picture of children

from Wamapisa Lutheran Pri-

mary School at Yaramanda hold-

ing pictures depicting stories

from the life of Jesus. Last year

we gave them a set of these pic-

tures published by Concordia

Publishing House in St. Louis.

There is such a great need for

materials such as these in the

school’s year.

These past few months have

been months of endings and

new beginnings. In December

10 pastors graduated from Tim-

othy Lutheran Seminary at Birip

and now are serving parishes in

various parts of these rugged

mountains. After a couple of

months holiday, schools now are

beginning. Despite a lack of

materials, they do the best they

can with a “biro” (ball-point

pen) and an exercise book (a

lined book for taking notes).

A new Church Year is under-

way and pastors have eagerly

received a copy of a commen-

tary on the Matthew lectionary

(Series A) in Tok Pisin, the lingua

franca of PNG. A faithful lady of

the Gutnius Lutheran Church

passed away on her way back to

Lae after spending Christmas

with her family in Sirunki. She

now is singing with the heavenly

choir. Soli Deo Gloria!

Endings and New Beginnings We send our newsletter

to those who have

signed up for it or have

contributed to our min-

istry. If you would ra-

ther not receive it or

would rather receive it

by e-mail, please write

[email protected].

Thank you for your

support and interest in

our mission work.

Martin and Marie Dicke

PO Box 803

Mt Hagen 281

Western Highlands

Province

Papua New Guinea

lcms.org/dicke

missioncentral.us/dicke

Above and center left: Graduates of

Timothy Lutheran Seminary receive

their certificates in December; Center

right: Pastor Peri Ken prepares to fly

to his new parish at Wanakipa;

Right: Pastors eagerly receive a newly

republished commentary on the Mat-

thew lectionary (Series A).

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Newsletter%20Subscription

https://www.lcms.org/dicke

https://www.missioncentral.us/dicke

To contact us, please write to [email protected] or: Martin and Marie Dicke PO Box 803 Mt Hagen 281 Western Highlands Province Papua New Guinea

Alternatively, you can send checks

payable to the LCMS with “PNG/

Dickes” on the Memo Line to:

LCMS Mission Advancement

1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63122-7226

Please support the missionary

service of Martin and Marie Dicke

with a monthly, quarterly, or year-

ly giving plan or with a one-time

gift. Visit lcms.org/dicke or call

LCMS Mission Advancement at

(888) 843-5267.

You may also visit our dear friends

at missioncentral.us/dicke or send

your gifts to:

Mission Central

40718 Highway E-16

Mapleton, IA 51034

A Special Thank You

Since early 2017 Trinity

Lutheran Church of

Peoria, Illinois has

printed and mailed our

monthly newsletter to

those who do not have

e-mail or prefer to re-

ceive it by post. We

would like to thank

their Discipleship

Board, their DCE Scott

Rauch, and all those

who have helped with

this important task.

They have elected not

to continue this work,

so we would like offer

them heartfelt thanks

for their commitment

of time and resources

to the crucial task of

keeping our supporters

informed of our work.

In addition, a large do-

nation by Trinity

through the LCMS To-

gether in Mission (TIM)

program allowed us to

enter the mission field

earlier than we would

have otherwise been

able. We would also like

to thank Trinity, its

leadership, and its

members for this past

support and for those

who continue to sup-

port us on a regular and

recurring basis.

Thank you and may

God bless you!

Please Partner With

us in the New Year!

Please consider partner-

ing with us on a month-

ly, quarterly, or annual

basis. Recurring gifts

provide a solid support

base for our work in

PNG. Visit

www.lcms.org/dicke

and click on the “Give

Now” button or visit

www.missioncentral.us

and click on the

“Partner Now” link.

Thank you for your

support and prayers. Above: Celebrating Martin’s birthday; Center: Funeral of the late Dakis

Kosi, a woman from Sirunki who was with the LCMS mission from the be-

ginning; Bottom: HLIS 2020 teachers ready to begin a new school year.

In an aviary in Port Moresby.

Dakis Kosi


http://lcms.org/service

# of Sundays 4

YTD P/W 5,328.83$

LYTD P/W 4,771.63$

MORTGAGE BALANCE $16,590.82 (After loan payment of $1,788.98)of 1,788.98)

THIS YEAR LAST YEAR PRIOR MO.

ACCOUNT BALANCES MONTH TO DATE TO DATE YTD

GENERAL FUND

Beginning Balance 94,175.20 94,175.20 119,427.65 119,427.65

Contributions/Transfers In 21,315.30 21,315.30 19,086.52 330,517.96

Interest 15.27 15.27 7.51 1,858.66

Total Receipts 21,330.57 21,330.57 19,094.03 333,693.07

Available Balance 115,505.77 115,505.77 138,521.68 453,120.72

Expenditures/Transfers Out 28,327.57 28,327.57 26,357.93 358,945.52

Ending Balance 87,178.20 87,178.20 112,163.75 94,175.20

ANNIVERSARY FUND


Contributions/Transfers In 818.50 818.50 105.00 6,723.26

Bequests and Refunds 0.00 0.00 147.50 512.50

Expenditures 619.43 619.43 0.00 6,456.05

Ending Balance 2,862.54 2,862.54 2,136.26 2,663.47

MORTGAGE FUND

Beginning Balance 160.00 160.00 (2,487.44) (2,487.44)

Contributions/Transfers In 356.00 356.00 320.00 13,427.96

Bequests and Refunds tansfer in 0.00 0.00 0.00 25,687.24

Expenditures 1,788.98 1,788.98 1,788.98 36,467.76

Ending Balance (1,272.98) (1,272.98) (3,956.42) 160.00

MEMORIAL FUND


Receipts/Transfers In 15,361.71 15,361.71 190.00 30,496.21

Expenditures/Transfers Out 12,922.00 12,922.00 0.00 129,683.79

Ending Balance 57,457.24 57,457.24 154,395.11 55,017.53

SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND

Beginning Balance 108.37 108.37 271.62 271.62

Receipts 37.50 37.50 50.00 436.75

Expenditures 0.00 0.00 200.00 600.00

Ending Balance 145.87 145.87 121.62 108.37

BENEVOLENCE FUND


Receipts 270.00 270.00 105.00 1,497.98

Expenditures 0.00 0.00 0.00 257.96

Ending Balance 6,439.37 6,439.37 5,034.35 6,169.37

MISSIONS FUND


Receipts-Mahlburg, Cristo Rey,Dicke ey, Dicke, SriLanka 185.00 185.00 125.00 16,331.50

Expenditures-Rev Mahlburg 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,008.50

Expenditures-Dr. Dicke 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,100.50

Expenditures Sri Lanka Bldg FundFund/Nauman/James 0.00 0.00 0.00 220.00

Expenditures-Cristo Rey 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,040.00

Expenditures-Sri Lanka Xmas 4,255.00 4,255.00 0.00 0.00

Ending Balance 3,272.50 3,272.50 1,505.00 7,342.50

*note: 220.00 for national offering

TOTAL FUND BALANCES 156,082.74 156,082.74 271,399.67 165,636.44

Beginning cash 167,581.80 total fund balance 156,082.74

Months deposits 38,420.28 accts payable 1,451.08

Months checks & fees 32,901.84 157,533.82

Ending cash 173,100.24

Bank balance 173,100.24$ NOTE-910.00 accrued ins

Outstanding deposits to date included in A/P

Outstanding checks (15,566.42)$

Adjusted bank balance 157,533.82$

Holy Cross Lutheran Church Accountant's Report January 2020

Thank you for your support!

Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Moline, IL March 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 1st Sunday in Lent

8:15 DS III, HC

9:30 SS/BC

10:45 DS III

YPS after 2nd Service

Pantry Sunday – Christian

Friendliness

2 3

9:30 Vicar’s BC

7:00 Pastor’s BC

4

10:00 Wellness Exercise

10:30 Coffee Hour

5:00 Bell Choir

5:00-6:15 Dinner

6:00 Choir

7:00 Lenten Service

5

6:30 Catechism

6

7:00 Choral Evening

Prayer with

Concordia

Theological

Seminary Kantorei

7

8 2nd Sunday in Lent

8:15 DS III

9:30 SS/BC

10:45 DS III, HC

2:00 Overlook Village

Devotions

9 9:00 Circuit Pastors,

Immanuel

5:30 Christian Care

Service and Dinner

10

9:30 Vicar’s BC

10:30 Property

6:00 Choir

7:00 Pastor’s BC

11


10:30 Coffee Hour

5:00 Bell Choir

5:00-6:15 Dinner

5:30 Elders

7:00 Lenten Service

12

12:30 LWML

6:30 Catechism

13

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The office is closed

on Fridays.

14

15 3rd Sunday in Lent

8:15 DS III, HC

9:30 SS/BC

10:45 DS III

Directory Photos until 4:00

2:00 Circuit Forum, Immanuel

16

7:45 Evangelism

10:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Directory Photos

17

9:30 Vicar’s BC

10:45 Peace Quilters

7:00 Pastor’s BC

18 10:00 Wellness Exercise

10:30 Coffee Hour

5:00 Bell Choir

5:00-6:15 Dinner

6:00 Choir

7:00 Lenten Service

19 St. Joseph,

Guardian of Jesus

6:30 Catechism

20 21

2:00 Youth/Adult

2nd Annual Liturgy

Day

22 4th Sunday in Lent

8:15 DS III

9:30 SS/BC

10:45 DS III, HC

2:00 Bible Bowl, St. John EM

23

April newsletter

items due

24

9:30 Vicar’s BC

25 The Annunciation of

our Lord


10:30 Coffee Hour

5:00 Bell Choir

5:00-6:15 Dinner

7:00 Lenten Service

26

6:00 Pregnancy

Resources Banquet

6:30 Catechism

27

28 10:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Directory Photos

5:00-7:30 Fiesta

Fundraiser for

Cristo Rey,

Immanuel

29 5th Sunday in Lent

8:15 DS III, HC

9:30 SS/BC

10:45 DS III

Directory Photos until 4:00

2:30 Heartland Devotions

30

31

9:30 Vicar’s BC

2:00-6:00 Blood Drive

7:00 Pastor’s BC

Abbreviations:

BC – Bible Class

DS III – Divine Service Three

HC – Holy Communion

LWML – Lutheran Women’s Missionary

League

SS – Sunday School

YPS – Young Peoples’ Society

Pastor Karsten in Fort Wayne for Association of Theological Schools Accreditation Committee

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