Concordia Lutheran Church

Do you want to participate in the monthly LWML meeting, but your work schedule, family commitments, and/or commute make it difficult to make the 6:30 P.M. start? Or, perhaps, you can come for only a portion of the meeting, such as the Bible Study, servant event, or business. To accommodate YOU, the LWML is adjusting its agenda:

6:30 P.M. to 7:15 P.M. Opening Activities: Servant Event, Pledge, Reports, Mite Devotion
7:15 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Prayer & Bible Study
8:00 P.M. New Business & Fellowship
You are welcome to come whenever you can for as long as you can! Join us in being in the Word, of the Word, Walking with the Lord.

YOU CAN HELP OUR LUTHERAN SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN STAY SPIRITUALLY STRONG while they serve by enrolling them in the Ministry-by Mail program. The LCMS is the only denomination to support members serving in the Armed Forces in such a way. Servicemen and women receive materials in an initial packet when their name is put into the program. They then receive copies of Portals of Prayer. TO ADD A FAMILY MEMBER OR UPDATE AN ADDRESS FOR THE PROGRAM, CALL 1-800-433-3954 OR SEND IT TO lcmschaps@lcms.org.

OPERATION STARS & STRIPES is a not-for-profit group of volunteers who provide support, morale, and “care packages” for our military personnel deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Horn of Africa, Kosovo and South Korea. They also send support to our Combat Support Hospitals here and at home. Its founder and chairperson, Meredith Kelly, and her husband, John, are both undergoing health challenges. Concordia has supported their organization’s efforts through in-gatherings. We now ask that you support Meredith and John through your prayers and with cards of encouragement. Mail them to: Mr. & Mrs. John Kelly, 4234 Fisherman’s Terrace, Lyons, IL 60534.

LUTHERAN EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FUND (LEAF) was started to encourage parents to send their children to a Lutheran school where they would receive a Christ centered education. Funds collected in LEAF are distributed evenly among the applicants. This year 14 students each received $300 towards their educations. YOUR DONATIONS TO LEAF MAKE IT POSSIBLE to continue the program. PLEASE MARK YOUR DONATIONS FOR LEAF. THANKS. Bd. of Christian Ed.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS:
TODAY – FOLLOWING BOTH SERVICES – SUB-SANDWICH SALE.
FEBRUARY 12th 7 p.m. YOUTH GATHERING MEETING
FEBRUARY 13th 7 p.m. YOUTH BOARD MEETS
For more information about the Youth Group, contact Adam Jures at 708-699-2913.

YOUTH GROUP’S ANNUAL SUBMARINE SANDWICH SALE IS TODAY IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL AFTER EACH SERVICE. PROCEEDS WILL BE APPLIED TO THE 2013 YOUTH GATHERING FUND. DIDN’T TURN IN AN ORDER BLANK? CHECK WITH THEM TO SEE IF THEY CAN STILL FILL YOUR ORDER THIS MORNING.

GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IS PLANNING TO PURCHASE A MID SIZE SCHOOL BUS. THEY WOULD NEED SOMEWHERE TO PARK THE BUS WHEN IT IS NOT BEING USED TO TRANSPORT KIDS. MIGHT YOU HAVE OR KNOW OF A PARKING SPACE THAT WOULD ACCOMMODATE SUCH A BUS? Since the bus uses diesel fuel, in the winter it may need to be plugged into an electrical outlet overnight. If you have such a spot or have questions, please call the Principal of Grace Academy, Carlo Giannotta, at the school 773-762-1234 (#4) or on his cell 708-769-8167.

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY VISIT DAYS IN SPRING FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS ARE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (President’s Day) and Saturday, April 21st. To register online, visit valpo.edu/admission/visit. Can’t make any of the above dates? Set up a personalized visit by calling 219-464-5011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABOVE, CHECK OUT THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBERT WACKER WHO RECEIVED A CALL INFORMING HIM THAT HE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE SEMINARY IN FT. WAYNE. He could start as early as March. This will be a very busy year for him between seminary and getting married on June 30th.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS TO GABE ANDRLE AND NATE KIECKER FOR THEIR ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT WALTHER for the Second Quarter.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY FOR ZACHARY KERBY HERE AT CONCORDIA ON SUNDAY, MARCH 11th, AT 1:00 P.M. Zac is a member of Scout Troop 31 which meets at Concordia and the one who managed the renovation of the stage in our Fellowship Hall.

SAVE THE DATE…THE SPAGHETTI SUPPER/ART SHOW IS COMING SATURDAY, APRIL 14th, FROM 4-7 P.M. Expect tremendous artwork by our Little Lambs, exceptional food and fun raffles. Please watch for further information.

MANY OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2012 ARE STILL UNCLAIMED. THEY MAY BE PICKED UP IN THE CHURCH OFFICE AFTER SERVICES.

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FOR 2011 ARE AVAILABLE FROM ONE OF OUR OFFICE ASSISTANTS IN THE NARTHEX TODAY. PLEASE STOP TO PICK YOURS UP (even if you do not need it to prepare your Income Taxes). BY LAW WE ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO YOU. IF YOU DO NOT PICK IT UP, WE WILL HAVE TO MAIL IT TO YOU, Please help us save the cost of postage required to send your copy to you. Thanks so much.

Manna – GIVE TO L.E.A.F, LITTLE LAMBS AND THE ROS SCHOLARSHIP FUND WHILE DOING YOUR SHOPPING. Order forms are available above the Manna mailbox in the Fellowship Hall. Completed order forms along with your check made payable to: Concordia Lutheran Church (memo Manna) need to be placed in the Manna mailbox safe attached to the wall by 11 a.m. on Sunday. Orders will be placed every other Monday and delivered on the following Sunday. Order dates are Feb 6, Feb 20 and Mar 5, 2012.

MOVIE NIGHT: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, FELLOWSHIP HALL CANDLELIT DINNER AT 6 P.M.
FOLLOWED BY A VIEWING OF THE MOVIE…FIREPROOF. Tickets--$20 per couple--$12 per person.
Proceeds to benefit Angelica Landa’s summer mission trip to Juarez, Mexico

Tickets or more information…contact Angelica Landa 630-991-3456 or angelicajoylanda@gmail.com.

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12th, 2012
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

SERVICES AT 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.

SERMON:                           Rev. Karl Koch – “What Do You Seek to Do?”
WORSHIP ASSISTANT: 8:30 Duane Bjorklund
MUSIC:                                  The Organ
CHOIR AT 8:30:                  Hear Me Now, O Lord
READERS:                           8:30 Cathy Louthen                            11:00 Walter Jures
ACOLYTES:                         8:30 Olivia Louthen                            11:00 Ashley O’Brien
USHERS:                             8:30 Youth Group
                                         11:00 Youth Group
ALTAR GUILD:                   8:30 Cathy Louthen
NURSERY:                         11:00 Amy Staubus
FELLOWSHIP SERVERS:             LWML
VAN DRIVER:                             Tom Stechmiller

VALENTINES’ DAY CELEBRATED
       YOUTH USHER
8:30 COMMUNION SERVICE
LWML Valentine Cookie/Bake Sale
and special Fellowship Hour
9:45 Sunday School
10:00 Youth Bible Study
10:00 Adult Bible Study…
New study continues entitled-
         “See through the Scriptures”
11:00 WORSHIP SERVICE
7:00 p.m. Youth Gathering Mtg.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13th LWML MEETING
check the LWML article for more information

FEBRUARY 18TH 6 p.m. Candlelit dinner followed by the
viewing of the movie…FIREPROOF

FEBRUARY 22ND ASH WEDNESDAY
                     12:30 p.m. Worship with Communion & Ashes
                       5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Supper catered by Portillo’s
                       7:00 p.m. Worship with Communion & Ashes

Our Communion schedule: Today 11 a.m. / February 12th 8:30 a.m. / February 19th 11:00 a.m.

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

When we gather together, it is to gain strength for service. When we worship, it is to be challenged for witness. When we praise, it is to find renewed power. When we rejoice in fellowship, it is for the renewal of our faith. We hope to accomplish all this in the hour to come. Welcome!

Guests of Holy Communion - Please Read
Holy Communion is offered to all baptized Christians, 8th Grade and older, who have been instructed and confirmed in the Church’s faith, who confess it with us as in the creeds and who may, in good conscience, receive the sacrament in keeping with the understanding with which it is here celebrated; namely, that in the bread and wine Christ, Himself, is truly present.

For all communicants, the following questions are helpful in preparing for the Lord’s Supper:

Do I believe that I am a sinful human being without hope of salvation except for God’s mercy in Christ?
Do I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and my personal Savior?
Do I believe that He is personally present in the sacrament of Holy Communion with His Body and Blood?
Do I hope by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a better Christian life?

PLEASE FOLLOW THE ORDER OF SERVICE FOUND IN YOUR BULLETIN EACH WEEK. It is difficult to post all hymns and in many instances selected verses on the hymn boards. Thanks for your co-operation.