Confirmation Sunday

Be a witness and support Holy Trinity YOUTH on Confirmation Sunday, May 18th.

Ten young men and young women will give testimony of their faith this week! Hear three or more students share their faith statements at any of the worship services.

Join the family and friends of the following students in celebration and thanksgiving:

Aidan James Zechmann

Nicholas Samuel Mootz

Morgan Juliana Chung

Natalie Donna Bak

Jackson Thomas Kolsrud

Brenna Grace Picht

Cameron Lee Lopez

Jordan Leigh Laird

Matthew James Laird

Leslie Eileen Acosta

Lift them up each day and pray for their life of faith.

Numbers 6:24-26   May the Lord bless you and take care of you; 

 May the Lord be kind and gracious to you; 

 May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

I John 3:2-3   My dear friends, we are now God's children, 

 but it is not yet clear what we shall become. 

 But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, 

 because we shall see him as he really is. 

 Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, 

 just as Christ is pure.

Beyond Ordinary

In the routine of daily life, we often go through the motions, checking off lists, following calendar demands, and looking ahead just enough to move forward to the next task. We might even define what we do as ordinary.
Even if going to church on Sunday fits into your weekly plan, what do you do Monday through Saturday to connect with the Lord, to see Him in your daily life?

Each of us is uniquely designed by God. Look for Him, seek Him, speak to Him everyday. His plan is extraordinary and in order to serve Him, we must actively participate in knowing Him.

In response to this week's Gospel lesson from Luke 24:13-35, the ELCA suggests this prayer:
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
In the ordinary of everyday living, you will find Jesus. Seek. Find. Do extraordinary things with Him and for Him.

Easter Is Over, So Now What?

Easter isn't only a single day to rejoice in the Good News of Jesus and his never-stopping, never giving-up love for us. It's a time to be intentionally prayerful and personal with God.

Lysa Terkeurst, from Proverbs 31 Ministries, offers six prayers to pray the week after Easter. She references Matthew 28, where the angel spoke to the woman at the tomb.

• “Do not be afraid,” – God, I hand over to You those things that make me so afraid. Resurrect the parts of my faith squelched by fear.

• “I know that you are looking for Jesus,” – God, when my soul is searching, help me know the answer to every longing can be found in You.

• “He has risen,” – God, the fact that Jesus is risen should lift my head, my heart and my attitude. Help me to live today as if I really believe this with every part of my life.

• “just as he said,” – Jesus, You keep Your promises. Help me live as though I believe that with every part of me. Help me trust You more, obey You more and resemble You more.

• “Come and see,” – Jesus, You had the angels invite the women in to see for themselves that You had risen. You invite me into these personal revelations every day. Forgive me for sometimes rushing about and forgetting to come and see for myself … You, Your Word, Your insights.

• “Then go quickly and tell his disciples,” – Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You. With You. Because of You. Me, the unwanted girl whom You loved, redeemed and wanted.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What's the best time of day for you to sit quietly in prayer? Challenge yourself to find that time and be intentional about it regularly, daily, lovingly.

Do you want to memorize a verse this week? Try this one:

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

Butterfly Cross of New Life and Resurrection

Butterflies are recognized around the world as symbols of change and transformation. More than 28,000 species of butterflies represent the insect's differences, though often, they are categorized as the same. Not a single human is exactly alike, yet everyone is created in the same way.

Butterflies begin life in one form, but end it in another. It begins as a crawling creature that hibernates in a cocoon and re-enters the world able to fly, often used a symbol of resurrection in Christianity. As Christ died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and came to life again, He brought hope of life after death. The butterfly "dies" as a caterpillar, is buried in a cocoon, and transforms into new-life, able to take flight, symbolic of a human soul into heaven.

This year at HT, the traditional Easter cross will be filled with butterflies rather than fresh cut flowers. Many students in the Sunday School program will participate in making a one or more butterflies to add to the cross. However, this is a church-wide opportunity for adults to contribute time and talents, as well. You are invited to create a butterfly for the Easter cross. A few visuals are included below, however, the creative possibilities are endless. Butterflies will be attached to the cross with wire.

Begin with a random assortment of scraps and supplies, allow yourself to ponder (hibernate) for a few minutes, and create a butterfly that has transformed from simple pieces into a beautiful new life.

Holden Evening Prayer

You don't have to know how to play an instrument or sing in an organized choir ensemble to appreciate the benefits of music in your daily life.

It's influential in all cultures and results in improved memory, focused attention and physical coordination. Check out this TOP 10 list of beneficial effects:

1. Effective therapy for pain
2. Reducing blood pressure
3. Medicine for the heart
4. Speeds post-stroke recovery
5. Chronic headaches and migraine remedy
6. Music boosts immunity
7. Enhances intelligence, learning, and IQ
8. Improves concentration and attention
9. Improves body movement and coordination
10. Improves memory performance

Throughout this Lenten season, the Wednesday night service at HT includes Marty Haugen's Holden Evening Prayer. As a composer of contemporary hymns and liturgical music, Haugen wrote the piece while serving as the musician-in residence at Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state during 1985-86.

The lyrics are meaningful, they stay in the mind for hours and days after walking out of the sanctuary. Without intention, they may drift in and out of thoughts, bridging the gap between the chaos of daily earthly commitments and moments of sacred connection with the Lord.

From Psalm 141, on page 4 of Holden Evening Prayer, the words "Let my prayer rise up, like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands, as an offering to you. Oh God, I call to you, come to me now; oh hear my voice as I call to you...Keep watch within me God, deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright...All praise be to Christ and the spirit of love."

Allow these words and the melody that you know so well bring you close to Jesus each day. Receive the benefits of music in your heart, mind, and soul - and let your prayers rise up as an offering to the Lord.

No Sunday School - No Problem!

It's spring break and Sunday School is on hold for a couple of weeks. There's no better time for a planned Family Devotional to recognize the Holy Trinity. As HTLC prepares to celebrate it's 60th Anniversary as a congregation in Chandler, continue the conversation in your home and talk about God the father, Jesus -His son, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday is March 16th, the day before St. Patrick's Day.

The holiday recognizes St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

The Holy Trinity is represented in this shamrock craft with symbols depicting Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit.

How about a tasty treat to celebrate the Holy Trinity?

Shamrock Pretzel Bites

Ingredients Needed:

Hershey Kisses

Green M&M's

Green Tube Icing

Small Pretzels

Supplies Needed:
Cookie Sheet
Parchment Paper
Small Icing Tip

Instructions:

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

• Place pretzels down and top with an unwrapped Hershey Kiss.

• Bake at 200 Degrees for about 7 minutes.

• Remove from oven and immediately press three green M&M candies onto each pretzel/kiss.

• When cool, use icing tip on a tube of green frosting to draw on the stems of the shamrocks.

• Enjoy!

Note: You want the Hershey Kisses to be soft but not completely melted on the pretzel. Watch them carefully and adjust as needed.
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ST. PATRICK'S PRAYER

St. Patrick's prayer for the faithful captures the wonderful spirit that
made him Ireland's patron saint and one of the Church’s most beloved missionaries.
In this prayer he asks for God’s help in various ways:
May the Strength of God pilot us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil ones.
Against temptations of the world 
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours, This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

What's Your Story?

You have a story.

It's a good one!

Is it clear to you?

Have you spent time thinking about how your faith has shaped your life?

Consider sharing your faith story.

Inviting others into your journey is courageous, has amazing power, and will encourage others.

How has loving the Lord affected your life?

Are you willing to put your story into written words?

Share your story as a guest contributor on this blog.

Submit in writing or by email to judi@htlutheran.com