LIFE TOGETHER If you’ve not been attending our Midweek Lenten Services, you’re really missing out! Please consider attending this Wednesday at 12 Noon or 7:00 p.m.

TO ALL “REGULAR VISITORS” Lent is traditionally the season of preparation for new members. Those who have previously been members of other Lutheran congregations may join by transferring their membership or through affirmation of faith. Those not previously members of a Lutheran congregation may join through adult instruction and confirmation, scheduled for Easter Sunday. If you’re ready to formally join Historic First Lutheran, please speak to Pastor Schaar.

VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY Our quarterly Voters’ Assembly is next Sunday after worship. Advance packets are available from the table in the Narthex.

FIVE HOURS OF HARD WORK During its Yard Sale last Saturday morning, our Hispanic worshiping community raised a whopping $943.00, despite the rainy day. Thanks for all your contributions which supported this event!

USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #3 – Chris Baker, Asunta Barnes and Michael Dickens.

March 8 – 2 Samuel 14

March 9 – 2 Samuel 15

March 10 – 2 Samuel 16

March 11 – 2 Samuel 17

March 12 – 2 Samuel 18

March 13 – 2 Samuel 19

Monday 8 March – Pray by name for those celebrating birthdays this week: Brent Popham (7); Leobardo Lorenzana (8); Marcos Martinez (10); Diane Harris (12).


Tuesday 9 March – Pray by name for our shut-in members: Cleora Bryan, Juanita Ingram, Elizabeth Larson, Lucile Moore, Clara Newhouse, Arline Pace, Claudia Proctor and Estelle Thaxton.

Wednesday 10 March – Lift up in prayer all those listed on page 16 of this bulletin.

Thursday 11 March – Pray for relief for all those suffering the effects of the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

Friday 12 March – Praise God through prayer for the beauty of His creation.

Saturday 13 March – Pray for our sister congregations in Pasadena: Faith Lutheran and Mount Olive Lutheran.

Those three words seem to be a lesson learned mostly through life experience. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t believe those three words were ever formally taught me during my nine years of elementary school, four years of high school, four years of college and four years of Seminary graduate education. Those words which truly could be studied for an entire semester were not even mentioned in passing. And that’s very sad because those three words are so very important in daily life no matter who we are or what circles we move in. Those three words are an important lesson for any employee, an important lesson for anyone in a marriage or relationship, an important lesson for anyone serving in an elected government position, an important lesson for anyone trying to get anything accomplished in today’s world.

“Pick your battles!”

Sometimes life experience teaches the lesson of those three words very easily and very quickly. Other times life experience seems to take a while to teach the lesson of those three words. Still other times life experience – or at least the application of life experience – seems to fail some people who just seem to never get it.

Even though it may not look it to some people, Jeremiah “got it” [Jeremiah 26:8-15]. In the opening verses of Jeremiah 26 – just a few verses before today’s First Reading begins – the Lord said to Jeremiah, “Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s House and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come in to worship in the House of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you. Do not omit a word” [Jeremiah 26:2].

Jeremiah decided that was a battle worth fighting. It was a battle that truly turned into a battle as the people didn’t at all like the words spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah, the words faithfully repeated by Jeremiah to all the people in the courtyard of the Lord’s House. The people weren’t just mildly perturbed by Jeremiah’s words. Instead, his words – which were really God’s words – riled the people up so much into mass hysteria that they were ready to kill Jeremiah.

“Pick your battles!” Jeremiah’s choices were either “A” – listen to the Lord and what He had told him to do – or “B” – listen to the people and what they were telling him to do. Most of us would probably be tempted to take option “B” – calm the people down, soothe the mass hysteria, save our life and then go and face God and tell Him what had happened and why we had made the decision we did. But that’s why this story isn’t written about you and me and why it’s written about Jeremiah because he chose option “A.” Jeremiah said to the people – and this is according to the Pastor Schaar translation of the Bible – “Kill me if you want, but that’s not going to stop the message. God will send others after me to speak the same message until it actually penetrates your thick skulls.”

“Pick your battles!”

Jesus got it [Luke 13:31-35]. His archenemies, the Pharisees, seemed to be doing Jesus a favor. They snuck Him some supposedly secret information, “Hey, Jesus. Herod is planning to kill You, so it would be best for You to go somewhere else and hide.” Most of us would probably be packing our bags before the Pharisees would even finish the sentence, but Jesus recognized that whispered warning as being just as suspicious as that speaking serpent who approached Eve years earlier in the Garden of Eden.

“Pick your battles!” Jesus sure did: “Go tell that fox that I must keep going to Jerusalem.” What seems to us to be a foolish course of action was the only course of action Jesus could imagine because it was the only course of action that took into account the well-being of you and me.

“Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks, but you were not willing” [Luke 13:34].

The message proclaimed by Jeremiah, which had been started by prophets before him and continued by prophets after him, was still not sinking into thick skulls. People just simply weren’t getting it. They weren’t getting that God is a God of love, a God of intimate relationship, a God Who doesn’t want to scold and rebuke and punish, a God Who simply wants to be properly recognized and respected and worshiped. Instead of mankind being created in the image of God, mankind had created God in its own image: a God of rules, a God of punishment; a God to be won over by our actions, a God to be feared.

“You were not willing.” Those are powerful words. It’s not that God is not willing. It’s that people were not willing. I am not sure that has changed all that much during the past 2,000 years since Jesus spoke those words.

Many people pick their battles even today. Sadly so often the primary battle people pick – whether its intentional or unintentional – is not to be gathered under the loving, protecting, providing “wings” of God. Many people today walk through times of crisis and illness alone, even blaming God for those times of crisis and illness. Many people today walk through times of death and grief and loss alone, instead of walking with their Good Shepherd Who tells them not to fear because He is with them [Psalm 23:4]. Many people today make God in their own convenient image, instead of the sometimes tough work of allowing themselves to be in God’s image. Many people today prefer their own recreation on Sunday mornings instead of the re-creation God works in them through His Body and Blood. “You were not willing.”

Maybe you’ve seen or heard the saying, “I woke up one morning and asked God how much He loved me and He spread His Arms and died.

“I must keep going today and tomorrow.” Jesus picked His battle then. Jesus picks His battle even today. You and I are the battle picked. Just as Jeremiah before Him, Jesus had been told specifically by God what He had to do and, even at the cost of His own life, He could not divert to a different destination. “I must keep going today and tomorrow.” And thank God Jesus did keep going – all the way to the Cross for you and for me [John 3:16-17].

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena

OUR PURPLE PARAMENTS The paraments on our altar , lectern and pulpit were donated as memorial gifts in loving memory of Marsenlane Parker, 1918-1996. The paraments on our altar, lectern and pulpit are purple for the Season of Lent. Purple is the color for penitence and mourning. Our particular parament set is called “The Way of the Cross.” The altar parament includes the symbol of hands carrying a Cross, a reminder of what Christ did for us. Two victorious Crosses, absent a body but draped with a white cloth, can be found to either side of the center. The lectern parament shows Christ on the Cross. The nimbus, or halo, is found behind Christ’s head, a symbol of eternity. Christ’s nimbus includes three rays, appearing as a Cross, a symbol of the Trinity. The pulpit parament shows the standing Agnus Dei. Standing with a Cross, the Agnus Dei represents the Risen Christ Who triumphs over death. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God. Note the nimbus, again with the three rays, revealing the Divinity of the Lamb of God.

LUTHERAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP – Please be sure to get your reservation in for the next meeting scheduled for this Saturday at 11:30 in the Parish Hall. The J. R. C. Line Dancers will be performing one of their newer programs with a baseball theme, and wearing tennis shoes (so no harm to the beautiful floors). Reservations are a must. Contact Carol Numrich, Zora Oglesby, Anna Price or Harriet Dickens.

DOLLAR BILLS Pastor Schaar continues to collect dollar bills at the door after worship to distribute to the homeless of Pasadena. Thanks for bringing smiles to people’s faces!

A SIGN OF THE TIMES Churches have begun to see people begging for money from worship attenders. We all always want to help people in need, but if you are approached in church or on the church property be anyone asking for money, please refrain from handing out cash and refer the person in need to an Elder. The Elders and Pastor screen people and have funds available for those with authentic, verifiable needs.

EARLY EASTER MORNING We are considering not having an early 8:00 a.m. service on Easter Morning due to declining attendance. What do you think? Talk to Pastor.

TO ALL “REGULAR VISITORS” Lent is traditionally the season of preparation for new members. Those who have previously been members of other Lutheran congregations may join by transferring their membership or through affirmation of faith. Those not previously members of a Lutheran congregation may join through adult instruction and confirmation, scheduled for Easter Sunday. If you’re ready to formally join Historic First Lutheran, please speak to Pastor Schaar.

USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #2 – Zora Oglesby and Chad Schmutzer.

March 1 – 2 Samuel 7

March 2 – 2 Samuel 8

March 3 – 2 Samuel 9

March 4 – 2 Samuel 10

March 5 – 2 Samuel 11

March 6 – 2 Samuel 12

Monday 1 March – Pray by name for those celebrating birthdays this week: Charles Fenske (3); Erin Matsuno (4); Jason Leonard (5); James Norden (5); Levi Vila (6).


Tuesday 2 March – Pray for inactive members of Historic First Lutheran, that they may realize the error of their inactivity and return to the Lord.

Wednesday 3 March – Ask God to bless our two Midweek Lenten Services today.

Thursday 4 March – Praise God for all His gifts to you!

Friday 5 March – Pray for those in our Armed Forces who are serving around the world.

Saturday 6 March – Ask God to bless all the women who will attend our Lutheran Women’s Fellowship today.

I had that exact experience a week ago Friday, except I didn’t ask myself “What is this world coming to?” I instead asked myself “What is the Church of Jesus Christ coming to?”

A week ago Friday, an article from The Associated Press ran in the local religion section of the paper. It was titled “Some see salvation in other faiths.” I almost didn’t read the article because at first I figured it was just one more article surveying the religious views of non-Christians, or at least inactive Christians who have grown inactive because their own personal views of religion differ from the public teachings of the organized church. I almost didn’t read the article, but my eyes fell upon the opening words of the article, “The Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s statement of faith says God through Jesus Christ delivers followers “from death to life eternal.” The writer, Dylan Lovan, caught my attention like any skilled writer. I wondered if, as I assumed, the article was surveying the religious views of non-Christians or inactive Christians, why the opening line referenced a mainline Christian denomination – in fact, the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, with 2.1 million members.

I was hooked. I read the article. That’s when I shook my head and sadly asked myself, “What is the Church of Jesus Christ coming to?”

Here’s what the article said. It reported on a profile circulated by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A itself on 3,450 of its own members. There were many statements contained in that profile, to which the respondents indicated relative agreement or disagreement. To the statement “Only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved” 36% – that’s about 1,250 people – disagreed or strongly disagreed while only 39% – that’s about 1,350 people – agreed or strongly agreed. I guess the other 25% neither agreed nor disagreed, meaning they didn’t have a clear belief formed about that statement. That would mean that 61% of the respondents either didn’t have a clear belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or doubted the importance of His life, death and resurrection. That’s a very sad commentary.

“What is the Church of Jesus Christ coming to?”

Now this sermon isn’t about slamming the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. They just happen to be the ones bold enough to ask that question and actually publish the results. I have to wonder if such a profile were circulated by The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod or even by us personally here at Historic First Lutheran if the results would be very different. And that’s why I ask, “What is the Church of Jesus Christ coming to?” because we’re not talking about a miscellaneous side issue of faith. We are talking about the central core issue of the Christian faith – that Jesus lived, died and rose again so that we might be saved, so that God might enjoy all eternity with us in His presence.

Listen again to what St. Paul emphasized in our Second Reading today:

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

“Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”

“Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”

In those 5 short verses, Paul makes three unmistakably bold statements about Jesus and the power of His Name, the power of belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. And those three statements are all things that all people want deep down inside. And that boldness comes from someone who not only knew Jesus and knew the change Jesus had personally made in his life, but from someone who also had other “options” available to him – like the Jewish sacrificial system or the Greek and Egyptian god and goddess worship system – and yet never failed to maintain that Jesus was superior to them all, that only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life [John 14:6]. As Pastor Fackler so often reminds us during Sunday morning adult Bible class, there are really only two kinds of religion in the entire world: Christianity that tells us what God has done for us; and every other religion that tells us what we have to do for God. Christianity tells us that salvation is ours. Every other religion in the world tells us what we have to do to try to earn salvation.

I believe a lot of people – maybe even some of us, many of us, here today – shy away from the exclusive claims of Jesus because they’re perceived as snobbish, as insulting to individual freedom to make one’s own choices, even insulting to people’s culture and traditions. I can understand why people think that, but I believe that the exclusive claims of Jesus are truly not exclusive – keeping people out – but rather all-inclusive – allowing all people in. We should never apologize for or shy away from the power of Jesus and His Name, but rather follow Paul’s example and make Jesus and His Name part of our public witness, saying boldly “This is what we believe because it’s what God has clearly said.”

Think of it like this. In our world, simple reality tells us that not everyone can drive a Rolls Royce or a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Those are recognized as truly exclusive automobiles that only a select few can afford . To drive one is often perceived as flaunting one’s wealth or status or importance, saying to others “Look what I have and you don’t.”

Jesus, though, is not like that. Jesus is available to everyone. Jesus died and rose again to make eternity available to the richest of the rich. Jesus died and rose again to make eternity available to the poorest of the poor. Jesus died and rose again to make eternity equally available to those of us born in the United States into Christian families, to those born in Asia into Hindu, Buddhist or Shinto families, to those born in the Middle East into Muslim families, to those born in Israel into Jewish families and to those born anywhere in the world into non-believing families. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight for Jesus died and rose again to make eternity available to everyone.

With God, it’s that simple: “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” With God, there are no complicated equations to work out, no elaborate rituals to perform, no keeping track of where we are on our scorecard of living. “God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the Truth” [1 Timothy 2:4] and to that end, He has given us Jesus, Who has made it possible for all to be saved.

During this Lenten season, every time you come into church, allow your eyes to gaze upon that Cross in the center of our chancel and ponder the great mystery of the salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ. Then carry that joyful mystery with you as part of your public witness to everyone you encounter. Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose again – for you and for the entire world.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena

OUR PURPLE PARAMENTS The paraments on our altar , lectern and pulpit were donated as memorial gifts in loving memory of Marsenlane Parker, 1918-1996. The paraments on our altar, lectern and pulpit are purple for the Season of Lent. Purple is the color for penitence and mourning. Our particular parament set is called “The Way of the Cross.” The altar parament includes the symbol of hands carrying a Cross, a reminder of what Christ did for us. Two victorious Crosses, absent a body but draped with a white cloth, can be found to either side of the center. The lectern parament shows Christ on the Cross. The nimbus, or halo, is found behind Christ’s head, a symbol of His divinity. Christ’s nimbus includes three rays, appearing as a Cross, a symbol of the Trinity. The pulpit parament shows the standing Agnus Dei. Standing with a Cross, the Agnus Dei represents the Risen Christ Who triumphs over death. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God. Note the nimbus, again with the three rays, revealing the Divinity of the Lamb of God.

LUTHERAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP – Please be sure to get your reservation in for the next meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at 11:30 in the Parish Hall. The Jackie Robinson Center Line Dancers will be performing one of their newer programs with a baseball theme, and wearing tennis shoes (so no harm to the beautiful floor). Reservations are a must. Contact Carol Numrich, Zora Oglesby, Anna Price or Harriet Dickens.

LUTHERAN WITNESS It’s time to renew your subscriptions for “Lutheran Witness.” Subscription envelopes can be found in your annual contribution envelope box. Annual subscription price is a minimum of $15.00.

JOURNEYS OF LENT You’re invited to join Michael Burkhardt, Director of Worship and the Arts at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI and former college organist at Christ College Irvine, in concert on Sunday 28 February at 4:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 1211 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. The concert will include Salem’s adult and children’s choir. A free will offering will be received.

BRING YOUR STUFF! If you today forgot to bring items for the Rummage Sale this Saturday, you may bring items during regular business hours of the Church Administrative Center this week. Donation receipts will be available for you.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES Churches have begun to see people begging for money from worship attenders. We all always want to help people in need, but if you are approached in church or on the church property by anyone asking for money, please refrain from handing out cash and refer the person in need to an Elder. The Elders and Pastor screen people and have funds available for those with authentic, verifiable needs.

DOLLAR BILLS Pastor Schaar continues to collect dollar bills at the door after worship to distribute to the homeless of Pasadena. Thanks for bringing smiles to people’s faces!

TO ALL “REGULAR VISITORS” Lent is traditionally the season of preparation for new members. Those who have previously been members of other Lutheran congregations may join by transferring their membership or through affirmation of faith. Those not previously members of a Lutheran congregation may join through adult instruction and confirmation, scheduled for Easter Sunday. If you’re ready to formally join Historic First Lutheran, please speak to Pastor Schaar.

EAT! DRINK! LEARN! Our monthly Bible/Prayer Breakfast is this Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in the Green Room.

USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #1 – Bernadette Hendry, Greg Hendry and Anna Price.

Monday 22 February – Pray by name for those celebrating birthdays this week: Jovanny Jalate (23); Genaro Medina (23); Margaret Goeppinger (26).


Tuesday 23 February – Continue to ask God’s blessings upon the relief efforts underway in Haiti.

Wednesday 24 February – Pray that God’s peace that passes all human understanding penetrate our entire world.

Thursday 25 February – Pray by name for our Board of Elders: Bill Files, Gerald Freeny and John Ochetti.

Friday 26 February – Thank God for family and friends, for life and love.

Saturday 27 February – Humble yourself before God through prayer and self-reflection and prepare to worship Him tomorrow.

February 22 – 1 Samuel 31

February 23 – 2 Samuel 1

February 24 – 2 Samuel 2

February 25 – 2 Samuel 3

February 26 – 2 Samuel 4

February 27 – 2 Samuel 5

One of those days I watched a special on the National Geographic Channel about Islam, particularly Islam’s treatment of women and the controversy concerning the hijab, the scarf or veil that many believe that the Quran compels women to wear outside the home. Many traditional followers of Islam believe a woman uncovered by the hijab is trying to seduce men so they mandate that the hijab be worn everywhere except the home where only the husband is allowed to enjoy the beauty of his wife. Many more modern followers of Islam – men and women alike – view the hijab as repressive, an outdated tradition and a limiting of women’s freedoms. It really was a fantastically well-done program and it was comforting for me to know that Lutherans are not the only religious group to have such diverse opinions while discussing the same passages.

Today’s sermon is not about the hijab, but it is about veils and their purposes – intentional and unintentional.

On the Mount of Transfiguration [Luke 9:28-26], we’re told that Jesus’ glory shone forth in unveiled splendor. In the course of praying, communicating with His Heavenly Father, Jesus’ face changed. His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration and they also were seen in glorious splendor.

To Peter, James and John, the witnesses of the Transfiguration of Jesus, that moment must have triggered a memory in their own religious training, the account handed down from generation to generation of how Moses looked when he came down Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments from the Lord. After spending time with the Lord God Almighty on holy ground, Moses’ appearance was so stunningly shocking that he frightened people. No one would come near Moses, so a solution was developed. Moses had to put a veil over his face when he was in the presence of everyone but the Lord to lessen the shine and the shock factor. When he’d enter again into the presence of the Lord, he’d take off the veil, but in the presence of the people the veil covered his face.

I’d like to think that week after week those of us who come to Historic First Lutheran for Sunday School and Bible Class, for Sunday Worship and Prayer Force One encounter the very presence of the Living God, just as did Moses on Mount Sinai, just as did Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. That is God’s promise – that wherever even two or three gather in His Name, there He is in their midst and they are standing on holy ground [Matthew 18:20]. That means when we walk out those back doors, people driving on Los Robles should be blinded by the flashes of glory and splendor leaving the presence of God, at least figuratively, if not literally.

That, after all, I believe, is God’s intention for how worship and life goes. It was the reason Moses was ordered to hike up Mount Sinai, spend some time with God, then ordered to march back on down the mountain and spend some time with the people. He couldn’t just stay on top of the mountain with God. It was the reason Peter, James and John were not allowed to build those three shelters on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus knew that it was not God’s plan for them to just pause at the moment and not allow that glory of God to be seen by others.

So it is with us. We are not to veil our appearance as we leave this place, as we leave the presence of the Living God, fed and nourished by His own Body and Blood. God does not employ secret agents. He doesn’t need people to mask their appearance so that no one knows who they are, so that no one sees their beauty and splendor. No – just the opposite – God wants His glory to be seen in us and through us.

Not only does God not need secret agents, but this world doesn’t need secret agents. I am not telling you anything you don’t already know, but there are many hurting people in our world – whether or not they admit it. They are people we know – family members and friends. They are also people we don’t know – the stranger on the street. And, often, you and I are included among those hurting people. Those hurting people are each looking for something. They’re looking for something – anything – that gives them relief from the trials and troubles of this world. They’re looking for something – anything – that will help them make sense of this world. They’re looking for something – anything – that gives meaning and purpose to life. They’re looking for something – anything – that gives their lives value.

I hope right now you’re screaming in your own head, “But God, revealed in Jesus, does all that!” That’s the point I am trying to make and that’s exactly what God has had in mind since the beginning of this world.

God, revealed in Jesus, says, “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” [Matthew 11:28].

God, revealed in Jesus, says, “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” [Jeremiah 29:11].

God, revealed in Jesus, says, “Come! Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” [Matthew 4:19]

God, revealed in Jesus, says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” [John 15:13] and He has made us His friends by suffering, dying and rising again for the entire world, for hurting people like you and like me.

People today need to see the glory of God. They need to know that there is a God. They need to know that there is a loving God. They need to know that God dwells among us. Chances are likely, they’re not going to come wandering into the church any more than the people of Israel hiked up Mount Sinai or any more than the other nine disciples hiked up the Mount of Transfiguration. There is an inherent fear in people seeking out God. But people are open to connecting with someone who is connected to the Living God, someone who can be an ambassador, someone who can reveal to them in little ways a little at a time the splendid glory and mercy and love of God.

So, my friends, soak up the glory of God again today! Let the message of His great love for you in Jesus Christ inspire you and set you on fire so that His glory may be seen my others.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena

February 15 – 1 Samuel 24

February 16 – 1 Samuel 25

February 17 – 1 Samuel 26

February 18 – 1 Samuel 27

February 19 – 1 Samuel 28

February 20 – 1 Samuel 29

LUTHERAN WITNESS It’s time to renew your subscriptions for “Lutheran Witness.” Subscription envelopes can be found in your annual contribution envelope box. Annual subscription price is a minimum of $15.00.

JOURNEYS OF LENT You’re invited to join Michael Burkhardt, Director of Worship and the Arts at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI and former college organist at Christ College Irvine, in concert on Sunday 28 February at 4:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 1211 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. The concert will include Salem’s adult and children’s choir. A free will offering will be received.

PASADENA MARATHON Please plan ahead for traffic disruptions getting to church next Sunday. Route maps are available from the table in the Narthex or from Pasadenamarathon.org.

BRING YOUR STUFF! Please remember next Sunday to bring items for the Rummage Sale on 27 February. You may leave your items in the room to the right side of the stage. You may also bring items during regular business hours of the Church Administrative Center the week of 23 February. Donation receipts will be available for you.

ASH WEDNESDAY This Wednesday begins Lent with traditional Ash Wednesday services with the Imposition of Ashes and The Lord’s Supper at both 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A soup /salad/ chili meal will follow the noon service and precede the evening service. A $5.00 per person donation is requested for those taking advantage of the meals.

DOLLAR BILLS Pastor Schaar continues to collect dollar bills at the door after worship to distribute to the homeless of Pasadena. Thanks for bringing smiles to people’s faces!

NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES Churches have begun to see people begging for money from worship attenders. We all always want to help people in need, but if you are approached in church or on the church property be anyone asking for money, please refrain from handing out cash and refer the person in need to an Elder. The Elders and Pastor screen people and have funds available for those with authentic, verifiable needs.

BEWARE! Please be aware of a new law that went into effect 1 January 2010 which mandates that whenever any emergency vehicle with lights flashing is parked along a shoulder or in a lane of traffic you must move into the next lane or stop until it is safe to pass in an incoming lane of traffic. Penalty for breaking this law is $754.00 and three points on your driving record. Pasadena Police have been actively enforcing this law with secondary motorcycle officers deployed along with cruisers.

SPEAK UP! As we will soon be entering the Church Season of Lent, it’s time to ask all of you many “regular” visitors if you’re ready to formally join Historic First Lutheran. Lent is traditionally the season of preparation for new members. Those who have previously been members of other Lutheran congregations may join by transferring their membership or through affirmation of faith. Those not previously members of a Lutheran congregation may join through adult instruction and confirmation, scheduled for Easter Sunday. Please speak to Pastor Schaar if you’re ready for formal membership at Historic First Lutheran.

USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #7 – Gerald Freeny, Michealene Melus and Carol Schlichting.

Monday 15 February – Pray for friends celebrating birthdays this week: Doris Barnes (16); James Price (16); Rev. Bill Fackler (20); Claudia Proctor (20).

Tuesday 16 February – Pray today for Pastor Gómez and Pastor Schaar as they prepare for a busy day of ministry tomorrow.

Wednesday 17 February – Read Psalm 51 and make it your personal prayer of confession.

Thursday 18 February – Ask God to meet the needs of the homeless and hungry, the unemployed and underemployed.

Friday 19 February – Pray that our “Good Friday” Youth Outreach would continue to change the lives of the youth and their families.

Saturday 20 February – Pray for safety for all the participants in tomorrow’s Pasadena Marathon.