MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:Romans 1:16-17 (ESV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
As a global organization, Lutheran Hour Ministries is committed to sharing the Good News of the Gospel around the world with all who need to hear it. This message is especially critical during a situation like we are witnessing in Ukraine. We know that God serves as a refuge during uncertain times, and we continue working through our staff and volunteers throughout the region in countries like Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Russia, to help individuals find hope, comfort, and relief in the Gospel.
As the situation continues to unfold in Ukraine, we ask you to lift up in prayer the people living throughout eastern Europe.
Gracious and merciful God, we pray today for the people of Ukraine and ask for Your protection of those seeking a means of escaping the country during this troubling time. We pray for peace, hope, mercy, and healing throughout this region. We pray for Christians seeking comfort in Your Word, and those who have not yet heard the Gospel. We pray for our staff and volunteers in Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Russia who continue sharing Your messages of hope and love without interruption. We ask all these things in Your Name. Amen.
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God’s Word calls us to action. “God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (I Corinthians 12:24-26).
The people of Ukraine are suffering. Some are running for their lives while others are taking up arms to defend their families and their nation. Once again we see the way in which innocent lives are experiencing unnecessary violence. Our hearts go out to every father, mother, son and daughter as they make difficult life decisions. We are especially mindful of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine.
There are some powerful actions we can take. As we follow Jesus on his journey to the cross during this time of Lent, I encourage the people of the FLGA District to join me in a time of fasting and prayer at least one time each week until Easter. Jesus teaches us that prayer is one of the most powerful ways His followers can respond to a problem. When he cursed the fruitless fig tree and it withered immediately he told his amazed disciples: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).
1) Pray. You can use your normal lunch time for a fast and prayer time. Pray for peace. Pray for the individual people of Ukraine as you see them interviewed on the news. Pray for our President and Congress. Pray for all the men and women in uniforms who have been deployed to the area around Ukraine. You might want to gather your congregation to engage in a prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine.
2) Give. The synod has created a fund for displaced Ukrainians. Gifts given using the hyperlink below will be placed in an account restricted to providing assistance to persons displaced by the war in Ukraine. The LCMS will issue grants to/through our Lutheran partners in the region best positioned to provide compassionate care in Christ Jesus' name to those fleeing the conflict. The situation is developing and we pledge to use every gift wisely to accomplish the greatest good possible in ways that deliver the Gospel as human needs are met.
Click here for a direct URL link to the MobileCause donation. We will continue look for opportunities for our Florida-Georgia District churches, schools, and ministries to offer support for the people of Ukraine.
In His peace,
Rev. Dr. Greg Walton
President – Florida-Georgia District
LCMS
Next week!
Lenten Devotions
Don't miss the opportunity to receive a daily devotion during Lent that is sent from our FL-GA District office. "As followers of Jesus, we are sent by Jesus to reach the world with His love and grace. Celebrating a year of Jubilee around The Great Sending, we want to keep the focus on connecting people to Jesus. The season of Lent is all about repentance and renewal. We are saved to be sent into the world to proclaim salvation in the name of Jesus. Throughout this season of Lent the lessons will focus on God’s renewal and the transformation which empowers His people and sends them into the world in Jesus’ name. Each Sunday will be an opportunity for a Jubilee celebration and will focus on our joy and calling in Jesus!"
The devotion is sent to your email through a sign up at this link: Lenten Devotions – FLGA District. You probably want to choose the "Seasonal Devotions Only" option.
If you do not want the email, you can still enjoy the devotion by going to the same link and opening the devotion for the day. There you can read/hear any you may have missed. Each devotion is recorded so there is an option to listen as the devotion is read aloud.
From someone who received one of the bags from the Brumby food pantry:
I just wanted to send a note of thanks to let you all know how much your generosity and thoughtfulness is making a difference in the lives of people that need it.
I honestly never thought I would be in the position where I am one of those people, but I am and I am so grateful for your compassion. You are helping me and my 3 small kids get back on our feet and I will never forget this kindness. I really appreciate the note about the 'bag full of love' and reminder of God's blessings - it's those blessings that lift us one by one until we're standing again. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries is a Christ-centered maternity home offering love, hope, and a future to single pregnant women in crisis. Based in Sanford, Florida, we are a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. https://www.rlom.org/
There is a box of baby bottles in the Narthex; please take one home for your family to collect all the loose change it takes to feel the bottle and return the filled bottles to the box in the Narthex for a donation to this amazing program. Feel free to also make a donation to Social Ministry and just write in "Hearts for Jesus" on your envelope. The school also has bottles in their classrooms for the children to bring in their change! We will be accepting these donations for January, February and March. Thank you so much!
JUST ONE THING
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Faith Pantry from our church and school families to our community friends we were able to delivery 139 bags to Brumby this week. Thank you to everyone for your support.
The jelly prices have really jumped up recently. The below were the prices as of Sunday in some of our local grocery stores for grape jelly.
The below are advertised grocery prices for Publix, Kroger, and Walmart. The sales ad runs March 2nd - 8th.
PUBLIX
General Mills Cereal - Check signage which flavors and sizes - BOGO
Post Cereals - Check signage which flavors and sizes - BOGO
Pillsbury Brownie or Cookie Mix 12.35 to 18.4 oz - BOGO - We are avoiding cake mix so we do not have to buy icing
Campbell's Soup 18.6 to 18.8 oz - BOGO
Valley Fresh Chicken Breast 10 oz can - BOGO
Kraft Mac and Cheese 5.5 to 7.3 oz box - BOGO
Jiffy Cornbread - not listed in ad but has been running 55¢ a box
KROGER - Must have Kroger Card - specials vary using digital coupons which you add to your card, or buying 5 or more specials, (this can be a combination of buy 5 or more items as marked in the store) etc. Please see flyer at store.
General Mills Large Cereal 11.5 - 18.2 oz. - $2.49 when you buy 5 or more
Kroger Variety Canned Beans - Check signage for flavors and sizes - 69¢
Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna small can - 69¢
Aldi Grape Jelly - 30 oz plastic bottle - $1.59
Pasta Sauce 24 oz. - 87¢
LIDL
Chicken Breast with rib meat - 4 pack of 12.5 oz cans - $6.49
WALMART
White rice - 1 lb bag - 72¢
Small 4 roll pack of Toilet Paper - 60¢ a pack
Hunts Pasta Sauce - under a dollar a can
Walmart brand Pasta Sauce 24 oz jar - 88¢ Grape Jelly - $1.68
Jiffy Cornbread - 52¢
Sweets/Treats and canned fruit is always appreciated if you run into any deals on these items.
Jelly is always appreciated to go with the peanut butter.
Have a great day and thanks for your support!
Hope's Happenings
Guess what … I have just added a reading program at Hollydale Elementary School to my event list as of 2/28. Next visit will be on 3/14 to be with these awesome kids. Although some of them were afraid of dogs, my team (Diane, Susie and Sherri) made it a success for these kids to be close and receptive to me.
They have selected some great books to read. It was rewarding to have the students practice their reading skills as they read to me. Who knew, I could learn so much.
New visit opportunity at The Table on Delk: http://thetableondelk.org/index.html on Saturdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Our idea is to distribute prayer shawls.
The sex/human trafficking industry in metro Atlanta has grown to nearly $300M annually. These women, men and children are being forced or trapped into a lifestyle where their lives don’t matter. They feel that they have few or no choices and most see no way out. The impact on their lives and the lives of their families has generational implications. The volunteers at The Table on Delk want to help end sexual exploitation in Atlanta.
Please continue to submit your requests for a Zoom visit via the following methods:
Complete the ‘Hope Comfort Dog Request’ form via this link: https://forms.gle/8oknB7haY7VLGgtE9. When a request is submitted, the information is sent directly to my organizer’s phone.
Call the church office at (770) 973-8877 to set up a visit. Janice Schaag and Susie Glass are excellent sources for getting this information to my group.
Woof...Hope
Mar 5 - Karen Hirschler
Mar 5 - Luke Czerwonka
Mar 6 - Tammy Lautenschlager
Mar 10 - Isaac Powell
Mar 11 - Matthew LaRue
Mar 11 - Tristen Rush
Mar 11 - Alice De Oliveira (E3)
Mar 13 - Ruth Trinklein
Guess what … I have just added a reading program at 
