VOLUME 45 ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2019 Helmar Heartlines 815-695-5489

helmarlutheran@gmail.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Kumla Dinner 2

Birthdays & Anniversaries 2

Poinsettias, Youth Front 3

Bible Institute, Ambassador 3

New Year Prayer 4

Some time ago a pastor received from a woman an offering to God. She was going to put it in the offering plate at church, but decided to just give it to the pastor. He was in a meeting so she left it in an envelope. When he opened it, he found a plastic bag with razor blades inside. There was also a letter. This is what it said (used with her permission): I have been coming to your church on and off now since I was in the fifth grade. I am now 23…When I was 12 years old I starting cutting myself. Now my arms are covered in an overwhelming amount of scars, but I am proud to say there are no open cuts. I have not cut for probably a year now, but I still have razor blades that are hidden around my room…I quit when I was about to cut one day but heard Jesus in my ear saying, ‘I bled enough.’ He took my pain on the cross and I no longer needed to take it out on myself. But I realized by holding on to razor blades I am not fully letting go of the pain and addiction to cutting. I want to fully let it go now…It says in the Bible, ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.’ So I’m doing that today…I am offering to Jesus today more than any amount of money I could ever offer Him. These are all my razor blades that I have kept hidden around in different places of my reach just in case. I am handing it over to God and I trust you also with this as well… And then she signed her name. Her pastor says he will keep those blades for a long time. You may have something to offer to God. Something that has enslaved you, burdened you, stressed you. The beginning of a new year is an opportune time for giving the Lord our sins, struggles, doubts, and addictions. What offering do you have for the Lord, better than money, that will point to your

repentance and faith in Jesus Christ? Now is the time! A blessed and joyous New Year! Pastor Lombardo

Congregational Meeting

We will need the following reports for our Annual Meeting on January 26th. Pastor’s, Cemetery, Treasurer’s, Deacon’s, Trustee’s, Youth, Missionary Fund, Family Life Center, and Sunday School. All reports need to be

turned in by January 11th so the reports can be available on Sunday, January 20th. If possible, submit reports electronically, with 1/2” margins. Thanks!

We will be starting a 13 week Grief Share program on Thursday, January 3rd

at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room. This is a program for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Whether the loss was recent or even a number of years ago, you are welcome to attend. Each lesson is independent so you may start anytime. The class will be led by Tom and Linda Mathre. Contact them at 815-210-0875 (Tom) or 815-210-0985 (Linda) if you have any questions.

Birthdays and *Anniversaries For

JANUARY

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January 1 Jon McKanna Carolyn Meyer January 4 Karl Michaelson Rich Niles January 5 Doris McManus January 6 Lois Stangland Braille Sucher January 7 Pat McKenna January 8 Katie Chelsen Jack Swenson January 10 Elizabeth Johnson Clarence Toftoy

January 11 John and Stacy Swenson* January 13 Luke Meyer January 14 Samuel Leggett Becky Rosenwinkel Janury 15 Paul Funnell January 16 Treva Mathre January 17 Lisa Greven January 18 Ron Martin January 20 Erich and Chari Engelbrecht* Rick Younce

January 21 Carrie Pilon Naomi Vatland Jeff Weigerding January 23 Sheldon Thompson January 24 Sig Hagen Ron & Cheryl Mathre* Cheryl Mathre January 25 Phyllis Anderson Jimmy O’Malley Fran Sebby January 26 Ross Boe Art Hiller January 29 Sheldon and Nancy Thompson* Jeff and Kim Wiesbrook*

We have updated our birthday and anniver-sary list to include active members and non–members, homebound, military and those requesting to be on.

Kumla Dinner

Our Annual All You Can Eat Kumla Dinner will be on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 4:30pm-7:00pm. The proceeds are to support the HLC Food Pantry and is our one and only fundraiser for the year. The dinner includes Ham, Kumla (like a dumpling), applesauce, dessert and beverage. For those that would prefer, a baked potato will be substituted for Kumla. Carry-outs will be available. It is a free-will donation dinner. Please plan on supporting this fundraiser by attending, but please prayerfully consider helping carry this event out. There is opportunity to peel potatoes the night before, bake desserts, set up, make kumla Saturday morning (anyone can do this with a few minutes instruction), serve and clean up. Signup sheets will be in the narthex and contact Linda Mathre with any questions 815.210.0985.

WHEN A NEW DAY dawns there speaks a voice, for those who have ears to hear...proclaiming,

“Here is a fresh, unspoiled opportunity! Here is a clean page of the book; and even though some of

the earlier pages have been marred by smudges and mistakes which shame you bitterly to think of

them, here is this page, untouched and spotless, waiting for the narrative you will write on it today.

All the past is finished and forgiven. Behold I make all things new.”

YOUTH FRONT

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Thank you to all who purchased poinsettias to adorn the altar this Christmas. In Memory Of…… Bob Stevenson, given by Doris Stevenson Bud Stangland, given by Lois and family Johnny Wayne, given by Grandma Rose Russell Butts, given by Rose and family William & Lois Sherman and Friedrich & Emma Engelbrecht, given by Erich & Chari Engelbrecht Wes Christian, given by Nancy and family Albert Johnson, given by the Johnson family Howard Johnson, given by his family Jim Hagen, given by Sig and family In Honor of Godly parents & grandparents, given by the Eisnaugle family In Honor & Memory of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, given by Brent, Sheila Marie, Danielle Marie & Wyatt Michael Urton You may take your poinsettias home after the Christmas Eve service if you wish.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 Whatever is ahead of you in 2019, Jesus will be with you to share the joys and the difficult days. Because of who He is, there is grace, forgiveness, and peace for you in every situation. Let Him be your best friend this year!

Wednesday night Bible studies resume on January 9th at 7pm. JAM (6-8th grades) meet in the library and 9-12th grades meet in the high school room in the FLC. Bring friends! Also, high school kids meet at 5pm on Sundays in the FLC for service projects.

Helmar Bible Institute begins a new

study in Philippians titled: “Joy In Jesus”. The class runs from 7-8pm and begins on January 9th. All are invited. To help with planning, please sign up in the FLC lobby or register with Pastor or Sue.

Lutheran Ambassador

The Lutheran Ambassador subscriptions are due in February. If you received a subscription last year, please let Sue know if you no longer wish to subscribe. New member get a one year subscription free! Otherwise, payment is due February 10th. Anyone else wishing to subscribe, please contact Sue in the office. Thank you!

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