On the first Sunday in Lent we sang, “O Christ, You Walked the Road” (#424 in the Lutheran Service Book). It has the same tune as “Not All the Blood of Beasts” and “Lord Jesus, Think on Me.” It’s a simple, yet catchy tune, and its words recall Matthew’s account of our Lord’s temptation in the wilderness (you can find that story in Matthew 4:1-11). We heard Mark’s version of this story in worship on this same Sunday. But in typical Mark fashion, he barely gives us any details (in fact, he only devotes two verses to the story—Mark 1:12-13!). Clearly, Mark is focused on other things. Matthew and Luke, however, give us a much more detailed account of our Lord’s temptation. Today, I want to take a few minutes to meditate on this hymn and the story from Matthew 4 that it recalls:

O Christ, You walked the road our wand’ring feet must go.  You faced with us temptation’s pow’r and fought our ancient foe.

This is the great mystery of Christ becoming a man—He walked in our shoes. He faced the same sufferings and trials that we face. He was tempted in every way that we are. Lord Jesus, we thank you that in the wilderness, you confronted the temptations of the devil and overcame him on our behalf.

No bread of earth alone can fill our hung’ring hearts.  Lord, help us seek Your living Word, the food Your grace imparts.

The first temptation that the devil gave to Jesus was to abuse his divine power to feed his hungry belly. But drawing on the words of Deuteronomy, Jesus said, “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deut. 8:3). Lord Jesus, help us to depend on your word alone to sustain us through this life.

No binding sign we ask, no wonder from above.  Lord, help us place our trust alone in Your unswerving love.

The second temptation that the devil gave to Jesus was to throw himself off of the very top of the temple and trust that God’s angels would save him. But drawing on the words of Deuteronomy, Jesus said, “Do not test the Lord your God” (Deut. 6:16). Lord Jesus, help us to trust in you alone and to not put you to the test by our recklessness and unfaithfulness.

When lures of easy gain with promise brightly shine, Lord, help us seek Your kingdom first; our wills with Yours align.

The final temptation that the devil gave to Jesus was to fall down and worship him, thus avoiding the pain and suffering of the cross. 

But drawing on the words of Deuteronomy, Jesus said, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Deut. 6:13). Lord Jesus, help us set aside our own desires to wholeheartedly worship and serve you.

O Christ, You walked the road our wand’ring feet must go.  Stay with us through temptation’s hour to fight our ancient foe.

Lord Jesus, we recognize that on our own, we are helpless against the temptations of sin. Stay with us as we fight against the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. Guide us to place our trust in you and the redemption that you won for us on the cross. Amen.

Blessed Lententide, Pastor Wagner

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First Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Meeting – February 13, 2024

The meeting was called to order by President Russell Behrends at 7:30 pm. Mr. Dean Damme gave a devotion with a reading from Portals of Prayer. Nine members were present. 

Ron Malchow moved to approve the minutes of December 12, 2023 meeting. Dean Damme seconded the motion and the minutes were approved. The January Council meeting was cancelled due to weather.

Ron Malchow presented the Financial Secretary Report. General income for the January General Fund was $5,927.35 with total income at $6,144.98. The Savings balance was $76,330.26.

The Treasurer Report was provided by Kyle Spilker. His report showed a 1/31/24 balance of $44,443.39. January expenses totaled $17,795.16 and income from the Financial Secretary totaled $6,144.98 The beginning balance as of 1/1/24 was $55,684.88 (Financial Reports are attached)

Dean Damme moved to approve the financial reports. The motion was seconded by James Hahn and carried.

Elders’ Report – Dean Damme

- Next month’s meeting will be held March 12, 2024 with the Elders’ Meeting at 6:30 pm and the Council Meeting at 7:30 pm. Ash Wednesday Service will be February 14th. Lenten Services will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays.

Pastor’s Report- Pastor Wagner - No Report.

Trustee’s Report – Jim Nelson

- Critter control has been accomplished in the church, aka bat!

- One hay bid has been received. Mowing bids are pending. Discussion centered on mowing north of the trees.

- A chunk of concrete will need replaced east of the church.

Stewardship / Board of Education Report - John Niemeier

- Not Present

Cemetery Sexton – David Faulder - No Report

Unfinished Business

- Phone Bill – Kyle Spilker spoke to Windstream about the church billings. The maintenance agreement has been taken off.

- Advertising in the Yellow Pages – Current fee is $16.00/month. Kyle Spilker moved to stop advertising in the Yellow Pages. Ron Malchow seconded the motion. The motion carried.

- Waste Connections – Current rate is $75.00/month. Kyle has checked with Waste Connections. The extra month credit for a yearly entire payment has been discontinued.

- Dean Damme stated that the Elders have reviewed their responsibilities in the handbook and encouraged the council members to review their section.

New Business

- Dean Damme moved to approve the transfer of Shirly Brown to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Beatrice. Brent Niemeier seconded the motion. The motion carried.

- Orphan Grain Train will be at First Trinity Lutheran on Sept. 1, 2024.

- Mr. Behrends read a report from the Nebraska District. Carolyn Brott is going to celebrate 40 years of Christian Ministry.

- There was discussion about using the TLH hymnal for Advent and Lenten Services during the weekdays.

A motion was made by Kyle Spilker to adjourn, seconded by Dean Damme. Motion carried. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 8:13 pm.

Members present were Dave Barnard, Russell Behrends, Dean Damme, James Hahn, Dale Meyer, Jim Nelson, Ron Malchow, Brent Niemeier and Kyle Spilker.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Barnard, Secretary 


Registered Visitors at First Trinity for January/February 2024

(Visitors who filled out cards.) 

Jan 28 Lyle Osborn – Lenexa, KS; Rodney/Doris Lueders – Beatrice, NE; Harley Hashberger – Mankato, KS

Feb 2 Lyle Osborn – Lenexa, KS; Harley Hashberger – Mankato, KS; And a Live BAT!

Feb 11 Lauren & Carter Johnsen – Grand Island, NE; Mark Wollenburg – Milford, IA; Rodney/Doris Lueders – Beatrice, NE

Feb 18 Dianna Bannister – Omaha, NE; Lisa Bluege – Belvidere, IL; David/Denise Topp – Chattanooga, TN

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Church Offering Income for the Month of January 2024: $6,144.98. 

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THOSE CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

Darin Pohlmann 1                   Matt Brott 12

Henry Niemeier 2                   Eldean Adam 14

Brinn Remmenga 2                Megan Sothan 16

Michelle Belding 3                 Lee Nickel 21

Jacob Brandt 6                         Lydia Niemeier 21

Joshua Wagner 7                    Grant Bennett 24

Callee Beethe 9                        Victoria Barnard 25

Peter Spilker 9                           DeVaynee Beethe* 28

Stacy Damme 10                      Michelle Malchow 28

Zachary Eyer 11

THOSE CELEBRATING BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

Joan Meyer 1                            James Franzen 18

James Hahn 4                           Jacob Brandt 19

Kolby McAllister 5                 Joshua Wagner 20

Madison Cude 8                     Henry Niemeier 21

Callee Beethe 10                   Eldean Adam 25

Carol Cunningham 11        Matt Brott 25

Allen Pfingsten 13                Stacy Damme 26

Robin Hahn 15                       Arthur Morris 29

Matthew Beethe 17            Michelle Belding 30


THOSE CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES IN THE MONTH OF MARCH 

Mark/Kris McAllister           10

Randy/Jane Bartlett              21

Nathan/Tiana* Haussler     25

Henry/Joan Meyer                 31

 

 

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