WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

1: James Rollans 8: Amanda Cutler 15: Anna McBride 22: Trey Putnam 29: Russell Pruett ACOLYTE Trey Putnam ALTAR GUILD Betty Massey Steve Massey Paula Owen Julie Poteat Jennifer Kennerly Council Tellers Lori Corriher Tim Beaver USHERS David Parrish Wesley Jones Todd Holt Richard Hansen CHILDREN’S SERMONS Mar. 1: Shana Putnam 8: Julie Hoffner 15: Jennifer Perrell 22: Gracie Morgan 29: Pastor Scott GREETERS Mar. 1: Beverly Terry 8: Linda Clodfelter 15: Debbie Clary 22: Eleanor Ijames 29: Faye Peeler ALTAR FLOWERS ($65) Mar. 1– M/M Randy Schenk 8- Philip McNeely Family 15- M/M David Arrowood 22– Mr. Robert Hodge 29- M/M Ronnie Edwards ****************************

EXTA ARM CHAIRS HAVE BEEN PLACED FOR DINING IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.

March Sermon Schedule

March 1: “Growing Up” March 8 : “Faith and Trust” March 15: “Don’t Be Shy!” March 22:“ 5 Minutes with Jesus” March 29: “Building the Church Together”

Lent! (and rolling into Easter, too) Our special services and activities during the season include —- Feb .25: Fat Tuesday pancake and bingo party (6:30 pm) Feb. 26: Ash Wed. worship service (7 pm) March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1: Lenten Wed. Devotion & Discussion (Meal begins at 6:30, followed by devotion/discussion) Mar. 29: “Passion of the Christ” movie night (5 pm) April 9 : Maundy Thursday service (7 pm) April 10: Good Friday service (7 pm) April 11: Easter Egg Hunt (1 pm) April 12: Easter Sunrise Service @ St. Luke’s (7 am)

Breakfast (after Sunrise service) Worship (10:30 am)

Easter Flowers will be placed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 12.

Complete the envelopes in the bulletins to reserve your choice of:

Easter Lilies (single stem) $11.50 Gerber daisies $7.50

Geraniums $10.50 Hydrangeas $24.00

——————————————— FISH FRY / YARD SALE

Saturday, March 21

YARD SALE – SATURDAY, March 21 – 8:00 AM– 5:00 PM.

You may bring your donations to the Activity Building on Tuesday thru Fri-day evenings (Mar. 17-20. (NO CLOTHING, please) FISH FRY – SATURDAY, March 21 – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sign up sheets are in the narthex for work schedules and donations of desserts.

Proceeds will benefit local community needs, including the Warren Myers Family medical needs, Perrell Family’s dance studio sinkhole, and St. Luke’s Cemetery Fund.

VOL .54

EDITION 7

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

What did Jesus really go through – for us – because of his love – for us? He suffered on the cross. He died. But those words can be so simple, so sterile, so easily said and often not really comprehended or appreciated.

This year, as we near the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week, we will explore this together with a movie and conversation night on Sunday, March 29. At 5 pm we will be gathering in the Fellowship Hall to watch “The Passion of the Christ.” Mel Gibson’s movie is powerful and widely accepted as the most authentic film representation of the actual passion and suffering of Jesus. After the movie, we will pause, then host a time of conversation on the movie and what it means to us, planning to complete our evening at 8 pm. (We recommend that you eat before you come) We encourage members of the congregation to attend, including all youth middle-school age and up. With the fol-lowing notice: The movie is rated R for the depiction of the violence and suffering that Christ experienced. It is graphic. It is powerful. But it is also very important to better understand what everyone in the first century saw firsthand in their own lives. Talking about it afterward is also recommended, given how some topics are covered and how it all can affect us as we watch it.

Sometimes our faith can become rather academic, filled with worship on Sundays, a bit of Bible reading, heartfelt prayers – but still missing the emotional appreciation for true extend of God’s love, expressed in Jesus’ willingness to die for us. We also intend to offer an alternative activity for parents with younger children, perhaps activity and veggie tales movies and such, in the children’s Sunday School room. Details on that later.

Pastor Scott

March

2020

WED. LENT MEALS

3/4: W/M and Finance Comm. 3/11: SocMin and Stewardship Comm. 3/18: Chr.Ed and Evangelism Comm. 3/25: Fellowship Comm. 4/1: LMM (Luth.Men in Mission)

Friends and Relatives on our Prayer List

We thought it might be helpful if all of us know the relationship to our congregation of the people on our

prayer list. We ask that as names need to be added or removed, you contact the church office.

Joy Barnette friend of Betty Massey Martha A.Barringer friend of Sandy Arrowood Wilma Davis aunt of Gail Kerr&Linda Pruett Glenn Hester friend of Jason Connelly Leslie Houston wife of Preston Houston Katie Hurlbut dau. of David & Sandy A. Don Killian cousin of David Arrowood

Laurie Parrish sister of Mark Parrish Tim Peede bro-in-law of Debbie Clary Diane Rivers friend of Alice Weaver Crystal Smith dau-in-law of Faye Peeler Doris Strickland mother of Debbie Clary Michael Walker cousin of David Arrowood Kim Watkins friend of Alice Weaver April Weaver wife of Jonathan Weaver Cindy Webb sister of Kathy Webb

Members and Friends Serving in the Military Eric Corriher husband of Dana Corriher Vince Price nephew of David Arrowood Jon Faust son of Margaret Faust David Terry son of Beverly Terry

OFFERING & ATTENDANCE—January Current Benev. Worship SS

Jan. 5 $ 4,673.40 $ 9.00 101 25 Jan 12 5,288.75 168.50 103 24 Jan. 19 3,996.60 227.40 97 23 Jan. 26 2,117.77 159.52 110 25

TREASURER’S REPORT Current Benevolence Restricted

Total

Beginning Balance 1/1/20 ($4,352.99) $ 0.00 $ 131,834.76 $127,481.77

Receipts Jan., 2020 $16,177.77 $564.42 $4,277.00 $21,019.19

Charges/Fees Jan., 2020 ($ 5.35) $0.00 $0.00 ($5.35)

Transfers Jan., 2020 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00

Disbursements Jan., 2020 ($18,790.40) $0.00 ($ 939.53) ($19,729.93)

Ending Balance 1/31/20 ($ 6,970.97) $564.42 $135,172.23 $128,765.68

David Lentz relative of Eleanor Ijames Danny Marsh father of Angie Connelly Dorothy McCloud mother of Kathy Webb Jennifer McDaniel Mt. Ulla Postal Pam Miller niece of Nancy Harris Cindy Morgan dau. of Reid & Margaret Jeanette Morris sister of Gerald Graham Jerry Overcash cousin of Bonnie Russell

Lutheran Men Service Day

On Saturday, Mar 14, the Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) are planning another roadside trash cleanup. This one will be done by adults along some busier roads that need it badly. Would you join us for a bit of work to make the world better, as well as lunch afterward? Meet at the church at 10 am. Back for lunch at noon.

COMPLIMENTS! From you, to you.

We are called to be a blessing to each other. Here’s some of the ways you’ve done that. Share your “thank yous” in our Compliment Box in the narthex. To John Owen – for helping install video wiring in the Fellow-ship Hall To Jeff Applewhite – for helping build a safety ministry plan and team To new folks for helping with Children’s SS and Word Time To all for donations ($3,435.00 received) for Cystic Fibrosis at our congregation meal on Sunday, Jan. 26. To all for donations for the NC synod mission support totaling $235 on Feb. 9. To LMM for serving breakfast at Homeless Shelter on Feb. 2.

Ingathering Projects Updates

Ramp & stair railings (2018 project): Powder coating under-way. Then schedule installation. Sanctuary Building Fire Alarm: Getting additional quotes. Trashcan pad and sidewalk: Funds received, work approved, looking to schedule. Chancel projector: low priority at the moment, and needs electrical work done with fire alarm Security lighting: safety/security team walked grounds at night, making new lighting plan Fellowship Hall Projector (not Ingathering, donated by the Kluttz family): Done!

Thrivent Choice Dollars for 2019 must be submitted by March 31, 2020. Submit your designation Online at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice OR by phone: call 800-847-4836 (follow the prompts to make your designation)

Thrivent Action Team grants of up to $250 enable Thrivent members to assist with expenses for one-time fundraiser, ser-vice activity or educational event that can be completed within 120 days. Once your project application is approved, you'll receive a customized kit of resources .

Call Thrivent at 800-847-4836 for more details.

Banners - Altar Guild has taken an inventory of banners and is ordering 2 new ones. The collection of banners on the pews is available for anyone wishing to take one.

Meals on Wheels

Volunteer Schedule for March

March 3: Sally Morgan 5: Joan Kennerly 6: Jeff Poteat 10: Sally Morgan 11: Karen Moore 13: Jeff Poteat 17: Alice Weaver 19: Joan Kennerly 20: Nancy Harris 24: Alice Weaver 25: Micki Karriker 27: Linda Clodfelter 31: Dianne Davis

TOGETHER IN FAITH

Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Trip - June 11-12-13, 2020 (Thurs.-Fri.-Sat.)

3 day 2 night custom charter trip with White Star Tours. The more the merrier, and cheaper too! $539pp if we have 20,

$439pp if we have 40 going. posters for details. Make checks payable to St. Luke’s, marked for ArkTrip and participant(s).

**** Please pick up a sign-up form, and submit it with your deposit for $25. ($25pp deposits due March 1, final payment due April 1.)

Feb. 16 - Bowling for Everyone – well ,you joined us, or you missed the fun!

Who might be interested in starting a monthly dinner group? A bit of food and fellowship with folks that aren’t in your fam-ily? Let Pastor Scott know of other ideas also!

DISCIPLESHIP Search for a Youth Director Our search for a new MS/HS Youth Director continues. If someone you know may be interested in this part-time posi-tion, please encourage them to contact Pastor Scott or coun-cil chair Mark Parrish. The job description is available on church website (www.stlukeslutheran.org) and in the church office.

Prayer & Spiritual Direction Group: Wed. at 2 pm Continuing our discussion of “The Furious Longing of God” by Brennan Manning and short devotions from “Jacob the Baker”. Consider joining us for a time dedicated to growing our spir-itual lives, practices to help us listen for the voice of God, and sharing how we see God working around us.

Thursday Study Group – “Revelation” New Topic: Book of Revelation. We’ve just started this study, led by Pastor Scott . Join us Thursdays at 10 am. Drop in as you can —This one will run for a while…

Adventure! Exploration! An “OT/Archaeology” Theme Escape Room On the evening of March 8, our youth group will have a spe-cial event, working to solve the puzzles and mysteries of an archaeological dig exploring a possible site in Egypt where the Jews escaping the Babylonian invasion may have trav-eled to and left some things behind… Old Testament theme, puzzles to solve, cooperation required.

Pastor Scott will be happy to work out some additional dates for some groups of adults to run through the same adventure. 6 adults in a group, 60-90 minutes estimated time to complete. Let Pastor know if you and a group would like to plan for an adventure after March 8, as advance planning is needed for setup.

Feb. 16 Council Meeting, information and actions of council. Full minutes are available through the office. And a reminder – all Council meetings are open for all to attend, except for rare legal, personnel or similar matters. *Jeff Applewhite shared initial proposal for Safety/Security Ministry Team and recent meeting on scope, lighting needs and plan, and a safety assessment with Rowan Co Sherriff Dept Sgt. *Treasurer’s report approved, including miscellaneous, transfers, and cleanup of funds *Approved Stewardship request that Lenten Wed .include donations of items for West Rowan Helping Ministries, West pantry, and to include a cash donation for Meals on Wheels. *Property notes: Stair/ramp rails are being powder coated; Still awaiting sanctuary fire alarm quotes; Fire dept. knox-box has been ordered; Carillon needs speaker repairs, which requires prior repair/rebuilding of aged/unstable internal platform at the top of the tower. Professional inspection of parsonage condition is underway. *Council approved declining a special extra-cost terrorism insurance rider . *Council approved holding a love-offering for Raymer mis-sionary family this summer. *Council reviewed Fish Fry Community Assistance proposals and approved $500 each for Myers Family medical expenses, Perrell family dance studio sinkhole and SLC Cemetery Fund. Additional funds may be given to each depending on receipts from FishFry/YardSale. **Next meeting is scheduled for Sunday March 29, 7:30 am.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Faith Basics – Feb 23 – “Chat with a Rabbi” Thanks to Rabbi Andrew Ettin of Temple Israel, Salisbury and Prof at Wake Forest who joined us for our Faith Basics luncheon on Feb 23.He shared and hosted questions on a variety of topics – a bit about modern Judaism, their way of interpreting scriptures we share, etc. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Youth Group News & Events SLY Group Events Coming Up:

March 8 – Old Testament/Archaeology “Escape Room Adventure” (6 pm dinner, ~8-8:30 done) (Meal: Lauren Hood) March 22 – Living as Disciples (6 pm dinner, ~7:30 done) (Meal – Emily Applewhite) March 29 – “Passion of the Christ” movie/discussion (x-generational event) 5 pm-8 pm

Pastor Scott is serving as youth leader while we continue our search for a new Youth Director. Marian Lytle is leading our youth confirmation ministry. Lutheridge retreats are part of the youth Confirmation minis-try, but are also designed for high-school students who split off for their own discussions.

PRAYERFUL LIVING—JOYFUL GIVING 2 Corinthians 9: 13-15 The mission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sharing of finances for that mission go hand in hand. What can compare to the indescribable gift of God in Jesus Christ?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

1 Don Morgan 3 Jeff Applewhite 5 Mark Parrish 9 Susan Beaver 13 Neely Mowery 13 Terry Lee Hoffner 14 Karen Moore 14 David McBride 14 Peggy Smith 15 Joe Hodge 19 Hannah Allison 19 Pastor Scott Swix 20 Landon Getzlaff 20 Carolyn Poteat 23 Grace Hodge 23 Ronnie Edwards 30 Ashlie Ceips

BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES 1 Michael C. Stanley 8 Jan Goforth 9 Will Lytle 10 Ansley Wright 12 Donna Frederick 13 Carrie Cameron 19 Taylor Garczynski 19 Natalie Allison 19 Arnold McDaniel 22 Brad Massey 26 Gina Bond 27 Debbie Gardner

Dates to Remember

March 4, 11, 18, 25—MidWeek Lenten Gatherings - 6:30 pm

21—Fish Fry/Yard Sale

29—”Passion of the Christ “ movie and discussion,

at 5:00 pm

12th Annual Meals on Wheels Port-a-Pit Chicken Fundraiser will be on Tuesday, March 10., at 1st Pres-byterian Church (308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury) from 11 am until 2 pm. Prepaid Order drive thru with pickup from 4-6 pm at. St. Luke’s will also be available. Contact Sally Morgan or Social Ministry Committee members by March 5th to get your prepaid tickets.($12 each).

St. Luke’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA) will meet after worship on March 1. 2020 Congregation Activity Calendar To everyone, ESPECIALLY team leaders and committee chairs, please pick up a copy of the early version of the 2020 events and activity calendar from Becky or in the narthex. See what we need to add! Let Becky know so we can let everyone else know, too!

———————————————- Chair/Table Signout: To avoid accidental double-booking, please contact the office when you need to borrow chairs and tables from the shelter storage area. Thank you for helping track availability for use.

SUNDAY

1st Sunday in Lent 1 7:45 am—LMM 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Property Committee

MONDAY

2 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

7:00 pm Disciple Explorers

TUESDAY

3

WEDNESDAY

8-10 am 4 Walk in Gym

2:00 pm Prayer/Spir. Dir.

6:30 pm Lent Meal 8:00 pm

Choir

THURSDAY

5 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

FRIDAY

6 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

SATURDAY

7

2nd Sunday in Lent 8 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids 6:30—8:00 pm—SLY ‘Escape room’

9 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

10

8-10:30 am 11 Walk in Gym

6:30 pm Lent Meal

12 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

13 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

14

10:00 am LMM Roadside

Cleanup

3rd Sunday in Lent 15 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion 5:00 pm – Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Worship & Music Comm

16 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 9:30 am

Blanket Ministry 7:00 pm

Disciple Explorers

17

18 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

6:30 pm Lent Meal 8:00 pm

Choir

19 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

20 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

21

Yard Sale/ Fish Fry

4th Sunday in Lent 22 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids 6:30-7:30 pm—SLY

23 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

24

25 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

6:30 pm Lent Meal

26 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

27 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

28

9:30 am Blanket Ministry

5th Sunday in Lent 29 7:30 am—Cong. Council 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion 5:00 pm—Passion movie/discussion

30 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

31

BLANKET MINISTRY WORKDATES beginning at 9:30 am Join us in tying blankets and making little dresses: Mon., Mar. 16 and Sat., Mar. 28 Mon., April 20 Sat., May 2 and Mon, May 18 Mon., June 8 Mon., July 13 Mon., Aug. 10

Our Walk in Faith – Together

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude Fast from anger and be filled with patience Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope Fast from worries and trust in God Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity Fast from pressures and be prayerful Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others Fast from grudges and be reconciled Fast from words and be silent so you can listen (Attributed to Pope Francis)

MUSIC MINISTRY

Do you enjoy singing, but don't have the time to commit perma-nently to the Chancel Choir? We would enjoy having you sing with us during the Lenten/Easter season! We are rehearsing on Wednesday evenings right after the Lenten meal/services, and will be finished by 8:45 each week. There will be no choir on Wed., March 11 or on Wed., March 25. We look forward to having you join us for this special season of the Church year!