Saturday, March 12, 2011

"Pastor’s Comment - “The Green Missionary”


"Pastor’s Comment - “The Green Missionary”



What do we really know of St. Patrick, in who’s honor many wear green? To look around at the way,we today, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’d think it all had to do with shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, and the ever-famous “pot of gold” at the end of them. But there is so much more about St. Patrick. Around 385, at about the age of 16, Patrick, a young Scottish man, was captured by Irish raiders and forced into a life of slavery. He was given the job of caring for a large flock of sheep belonging to the king. He endured much hardship and loneliness. It was during this time of enslavement, that he began to pray to the God his Christian grandfather had told him about. After six years, he escaped and returned to his family. But he felt called by God to go back to Ireland to spread Christianity to the Irish people. Therefore, after he studied in a monastery for twelve years, he returned to the land of his captivity. For thirty years he traveled the roads of Ireland to see men, women and children come to know the Christ that he loved so much. It is said that Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock in his sermons to explain the Trinity. He showed the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist separately, yet be one. That’s when Irish Christians adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock. By the time of his death, March 17, 461, he had baptized tens of thousands and established hundreds of churches, throughout Ireland. Within a century this once pagan land had become predominately Christian, possessing such a vigorous faith that Ireland in turn sent out missionaries to Scotland, England, France Germany and Belgium. Wow! What a great missionary for the Lord!"

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Lent 2011

Lent 2011

Dear Members of Historic Trinity:

This Lenten season our theme is “Father Forgive Them”. Yes we need to be reminded that we all need to be forgiven. When we make a mistake, when we goof off, when don’t do what we should do, we know we have done wrong. We can deny we did wrong. Or we can try to cover up our wrongs.We can try to come up with all kinds of excuses.We can blame everyone and every thing else - “he made me do it”.We can get weighed down with guilt. But none this helps.We all need to know that we are forgiven. Forgiven by God. Forgiven by those we have wronged.We even need to be able to forgive ourselves. Jesus set the example of forgiveness. When He was forsaken by His disciples, when He was betrayed by Judas. When He was denied by Peter. When He was put of the cross. When He was even forsaken by His Father. What did He do ?He said “Father Forgive Them” ! The “Them” includes you and me - we are forgiven indeed. Make time this Lenten Season, Holy Week, and Easter to attend the many Worship Services at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church and experience the forgiveness of our Lord. Repent, believe, and accept His forgiveness. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday Services on Wednesday, March 9th, at 12:00noon and 7:00p.m., followed by the Downtown Lutheran Lenten Services, each Wednesday, at 12:00 noon. The Lenten Passion Drama “Prince of Peace” is on Sunday, April
10th , at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. The Lenten season ends with inspiring Worship Services
during HolyWeek, and then the joyous Festival of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 24th at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m.

Blessings,
The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard

Friday, March 4, 2011

Ash Wednesday

Begin Lent - Plan now to attend- ASH WEDNESDAY - Mar 9
The Downtown Lutheran Ash Wednesday Holy Communion Worship Services will be held at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church on Ash Wednesday, March 9th , at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. At 12:00 noon, Rev. David Maier, President of the Michigan District - LCMS, will preach, accompanied by the Cathedral Pastors of Historic Trinity. The guest choir will be Holy Cross Lutheran, Warren. At 7:00 p.m., Rev. Dr. Kieth Gerberding will preach. In keeping with ancient tradition, ashes for the forehead will be dispensed to individuals who desire, at both services.Let's have a good turnout !