Dear children of God through faith in Christ,
“STAND.”  Our Synod has announced that to be the theme that they are advocating, publicizing over the next three years.  It is based on Luther’s unmovable stand when he made his great confession of the truth of God’s holy Word at the Diet of Worms in 1521, before the leaders of the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.
Just this morning I read the following from my desktop “old lutheran” calendar:
ON THIS DAY
…in 1546 Luther died in his birth town of Eisleben [Germany].  In order that his opponenets couldn’t say he recanted, Luther was asked this final question: “Doctor Martin, honored father, do you die in the faith in Christ and in the teachings that you have preached in his name?”  Luther’s answer and final word was [a stern and loud] “Yes.”
Oh. dear people, stand firm!  Do not move to the left or the right on the authority and truth of Scripture.  We stand with Luther, the orthodox early church fathers, the apostles, the prophets.  We stand firm with and in Christ!
The Holy Spirit encourages us, empowers us: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil….Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”
(Eph. 6:10-11, 13-17 ESV).
Peace to you in the name of Jesus.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No Junior Confirmation Class this evening due to the storm. 
No Prayer Shawl Group this evening.
BUT, for Elders: We will make a decision later in the day and see how things look.  We are scheduled to meet this evening at 7:30PM.
Wednesday AM Bible Study will meet at 10:00AM.
On Thursday, Bible Study resumes at 6:15PM.
                       Choir meets at 7:00PM.
Friday, EVENING PRAYER service at 7:00PM.  Special prayers will be offered for a number of needs and concerns for our church.
Youth are scheduled to meet after the Evening Prayer service.
This Sunday:
          Divine Service at 9:00AM
          Youth Bible Study/Sunday School at 10:30AM
          Pastor’s Bible Study at 10:45AM
Special Fellowship Event on Monday, March 3rd at 7:00PM:  Concordia University — Chicago Wind Ensemble will provide a concert at Immanuel in Bristol.  Sign up on the SIGN-UP SHEET in the fellowship hall if you are interested in getting shuttled over top the concert from Holy Trinity and after the concert we will have something back at our church (pizza or something).
Holy Trinity is hosting a community Lenten Luncheon on Tuesday, March 18th at 12:00PM.  We need volunteers to help with set up and clean up.  Please contact Mary Wollenberg or Pastor if you are able to help.
Again this year, we are having Lenten Suppers at our church before the Lenten Vespers.  Three Wednesday dates remain available for members to host and plan and provide a supper: March 26, April 2, April 9.  The suppers typically have 20-30 people attending.  We provide a free will offering to help offset costs.  Any questions, contact Cathy Wollenberg in the church office.  If you want to help, please sign up your crew on the SIGN-UP SHEET in the fellowship hall.
SERVING THE LORD THIS WEEK:
Ushers:    Rich Clukey
                Mike Damboise
Elder:      Brian Lassy
Altar:       Mary Wollenberg
Acolyte:   Zack Stafford
Coffee:    Robin Lassy
The Lord Jesus be with you all!
Pastor Kotila