Honest Abe・ and Our Christian Heritage
March 31, 2011
This is the second in our series of five articles that illustrates how our founding fathers and national leaders believed that God is responsible for our nation. The words below are as appropriate today as they were when they were originally written.. . . We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgot-ten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. In-toxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.
Abraham Lincoln, anguished by the ravages of the civil war, declared a ―Proclamation of a National Fast Day‖on March 30, 1863:
Whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are only blessed whose God is the Lord.
Twenty Four Hour Prayer Vigil
March 31, 2011
We are just a few short weeks away from our Fourth Annual Twenty-Four Hour Prayer Vigil in association with the 60th Annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer. This year it again occurs on the first Thursday of May – May 5. This is an annual day of observance, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked to turn to God in prayer and meditation. The law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952, and its constitutionality is being challenged in court.
The theme for this year’s observance should be familiar to Lutherans: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Not only is that the title of one of Martin Luther’s most famous hymns, it is drawn from Psalm 91:2 -
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
The event this year will follow the same pattern as the previous events. The day will be divided into twenty-four 1 hour shifts, starting at midnight Wednesday going through to midnight on Thursday. Members are encouraged to sign up for one of those shifts. You can sign up as an individual, as a couple, as a family, or as a small group of friends. The altar area will be set up in a solemn and reverent manner that will make it conducive for prayer. As the day of the event approaches we will be asking members to submit prayer requests. Look for Prayer Request inserts in the coming weeks.
Announcements for April 3, 2011
March 31, 2011
This the link for the April 3, 2011 announcements:
Zion Book Club
March 31, 2011
Zion Book Club will meet April 25 @ 7 pm in Gathering Place. In April we are reading Heaven is For Real, by Todd Burpo.
This is the New York Times, #1 Bestseller. It’s about a little Boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back. This book will forever change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see, and believe, like a child. Pastor has a few books, but they can be found online, Costco, BJ’s.
Sunday School Canned Good Collection
March 31, 2011
This Sunday, April 17th, Sunday School youth are being asked to bring cans of Spaghetti-os & ravioli. Peanut Butter is always welcome! In this season of Lent, please remember those who are in need, and when you are at the store, just pick-up a few of these extra items. Together we will make a difference.
Over 600 families from Southington are using the food pantry each month.
God’s Ciriculum
March 31, 2011
I’m not a big fan of tests. My hands used to get all sweaty before I tool a test in school. It’s wasn’t joy. But that is what the writer of James says, “Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials.” Joy and trials are two words that don’t belong together. Yet, when I’ve failed at something, I remember those lessons far longer than the moments when I’ve succeeded at something. Joy is different than happiness. I’ve seen people full of joy and yet deep in sorrow. What test or trial are you being schooled in? It may be God opening your life to joy?
uses them to produce character and faith deep in our hearts.
God’s curriculum includes:
- enough joy to encourage us.
- enough love to strengthen us.
- enough success to build our confidence.
- enough suffering to force us to depend on him.
- enough confusion to make us seek his face.
That’s his curriculum. Don’t play hookey from his school. Be still and listen to what God is saying to you!
p.s.
This reminded me of a sermon illustration that many of you have asked for: I share it here–It’s called I WISH YOU ENOUGH
When we say, “I wish you enough,” we are wanting the other person to have enough good things to sustain them. The wish goes like this:
“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough adversity so the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to be grateful for all you possess.
I wish; you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbyes.”
The father looked at the other man and said, “I wish you enough”… and then he turned and walked away.
Sunday School Easter Party
March 30, 2011
On April 17, at 9 am, The Sunday School will have an Easter Party. The whole Sunday School will be walking through Holy Week activities. Parents are welcome to join their children as they participate in all the events of Holy Week. These include: Foot washing, Last Supper, Carrying the Cross, Driving Nails into the Cross and Visiting the empty tomb.
Women of the ELCA 2011 Spring Gathering
March 30, 2011
Greater Hartford Central & Eastern CT Saturday, April 30, 2011
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 371 Wolcott Hill Rd., Wethersfield, CT
The cost is $16.00 in advance and $20.00 if purchased at the door. Anyone who is interested in attending, please contact Barbara Debner.
FoodShare 28th Annual Walk Against Hunger
March 30, 2011
The Southington Community Services Bread For Life will be participating in the Annual Walk Against Hunger in Hartford, Sunday, May 1st. Check in is at 1 p.m. Walk steps off at 2 p.m. When registering, please remember to “check off” Bread for Life, so that the funds you raise will go directly to our local community pantry. You can either register on line at www.foodshare.org or pick up a brochure located in the Gathering Place. There is a Team from Southington, “Raising the Dough” Team, which you may join. When registering, just mark the team name on the registration. For further information you may call Bread for Life at 860-276-8389.
Important Information From Southington Community Services
March 30, 2011
Regarding CL&P: It is that time of the year when CL&P can disconnect service for non-payment of bills. THEY ARE NO LONGER WAIVING THE RE-CONNECT FEE. Please call Southington Community Services if you need assis-tance with payment of a bill ASAP at 860-628-3761.
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Forum/Info Session on Health Care Reform: Thursday, March 31st from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington. RSVPs encouraged but not necessary. For further information, rides or to RSVP, please call 860-882-3849.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Openings: A lottery will be held for openings to the Section 8 Choice Voucher Waiting List. Section 8 is income driven and helps with payment of rents. All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2011. Please go to the Southington Community Services Office Monday thru Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 where they will be able to give you the application and information. They will also talk to you regarding the process. If you cannot go in person, you may call the office at 860-628-3761.
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Unique Boutique: Southington Community Services and Southington Salvation Army will be holding their Fourth Annual Unique Boutique event on Mon-day, April 25th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club. The Boutique is selling items “twice as nice at a really good price.” A spectacular dinner will be served at 7 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to Southington Community Services for emergency assistance, food baskets, fuel and energy assistance for those in need in our community.
Tickets are $32.00. For more information and tickets please call Southington Com-munity Service at 860-628-3761.
