As we prepare for Easter with the whole church, we enter the time of remembering Jesus' passover from death to life, and our life in Christ is renewed. | |
You are welcome at Hutto Lutheran Church
regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation ethnicity, belief, income level or education. We invite you to be a part of this faith community.
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Our Mission
We are one body in Christ, sent in Faith to share God's Love, through Worship, Srvice, Fellowship and Witness.
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March 15
Light evening lunch at 6 PM.
Wednesday mid-week service 7 PM
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Worship Link to live streaming
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - 7 PM
Wednesday Mid-week service
Sunday, March 19, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Paraments color: Purple
Scripture Readings for Sunday
Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.
1 Samuel 16:1-13;Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
* “Lent Lillies” painting by Beatrice Bailey. Daffodils are also known as Lent Lillies and represent rebirth, inspiration, creativity and forgiveness.
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From the Pastor's Desk
Grace and peace to you!
This lent we are invited to remember together our baptisms. We remember that day when God said “yes” to us, and we are exploring together how we can say “yes” to God.
Last week we explored the second gift of discipleship, the second promise that sponsors and parents make for those who are being baptized to help them to “hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper”
Last week we pondered, what does it mean to “hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper”? What does communion mean to you (a question that our first communion class is also asking this lent)? How do you hear the word of God in your own lives? How does hearing the word of God and sharing in the Lord’s Supper help us in saying “yes” to God on our journey of faith?
This Sunday as we gather together for worship we will hear the story of a man born blind who is healed. During the sermon time you will be invited forward for prayers for healing. As we hear the story of David who was anointed with oil you will have a chance to be anointed with oil.
Tonight we will explore the third gift of discipleship – “proclaim the good news of God in word and deed.” Join in person and online this Wednesday at 7pm for worship.
God’s peace to you on this journey of lent and your journey of faith! And thank you for the chance to grow alongside you.
Pastor Amanda
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The Faith Formation inventory that we will explore on Wednesdays is a tool from the transition process that invites us to look inward at our own growth on our journey of faith.
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Midweek Discipleship Lenten Worship Series
beginning March 1
Join us for a 6:00 PM midweek meal and 7:00 PM worship.
In baptism God said "yes" to us. This Lent we were invited to say "yes" to God.
Join us this Lenten season each week as we explore a different "yes" to God from the baptismal liturgy - a different gift of discipleship. This week we will look at how we "Proclaim the good news of God in word and deed."
*Sign up in Narthex to help with a meal
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Special Congregational Meeting: will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 11:45 AM just after the worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the insurance claim related to the water damage from December 24, 2022, the additional repairs and approval for spending in excess of the $10,000 spending limit in our constitution for the additional repairs. Click on the image to the right to go to the meeting. The link will also be on the HLC website prior to the meeting. The link will not be active until a few minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
To join by phone call (650) 215-5226. The meeting number is 23673411651 and the password is 402Church (40224872 by phone)
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Feeding the 5,000
Join us this Saturday to help feed breakfast to the community.
Want to cook? If you have a food handlers you can come starting at 6:00am to cook. Food handlers certification can be completed online at foodserviceprep.com/Courses/TexasFoodHandler and certificate can be emailed to Karen Bryant kbryant6161@gmail.com
Want to help deliver food to cars? No certificate needed. Food distribution is 9:00am-12pm.
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Church Directory Update: - Please check and sign by your information in the directory in the Narthex with any updates to your information by March 19th. We will have new updated copies available to distribute on Sunday, March 26th. | |
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Calling all Musicians!
Bell choir will meet this Sunday at 9:30 in the church office to practice a song for Palm Sunday (April 2nd). Regular choir will meet this Sunday after church to practice songs for holy week. Whether you've played or sung forever or its your first time, all are welcome to make a joyful noise and help us remember holy week in a meaningful way!
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Knott Perfect Quilters
Sunday March 19th 1:00pm in the 502. All are welcome!
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Theology on Tap: Will be meeting at the Downtown Hall of Fame Tuesday the 21st at 7 PM. Meet for a time of friendship and to get to know each other.
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Children, Youth and Adult Worship Sign up We are the body of Christ, and everyone's gifts are important! We need your help. Sign up to lead at the Hutto Lutheran Church Sign up Genius. If you want direction on leading let Pastor Amanda know and she can train you. You can sign up yourself by clicking here. | |
Congregational Retreat at Camp Chrysalis
It's time for the HLC camp retreat! We will be at Camp Chrysalis from 6 PM Friday, April 14th until Noon on Sunday the 16th. The cost per room is $100 per night and the food costs for the weekend are as follows: $44 per person for 6th grade to adults, $22 for children in grades K-5 and free for pre-K children. Click on the picture to be directed to the site to fill out the reservation form. Indicate the number of adults and children attending. Additionally, please provide the grade of the children attending in the comments section.
Payments may be made with a check in the offering plate, with the Vaco Mobile app or by clicking on the 'Give Now' button on the HLC Website.
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Stewardship = Responding to God's Call to Love and Serve our Neighbors
So, what does 'Stewardship = how we respond to God's call to love and serve our neighbors" mean?
First, stewardship is so much more than money; it is a way of life. It is how each of us integrate our faith into the way we choose to live our lives. Second, we need to begin rethinking or shifting the way we think and talk about stewardship. The first shift we want to consider is:
Stewardship is about money → Stewardship is about my whole self
To help us rethink stewardship, we will begin a series of hearing from groups and individuals who benefit from our assets, demonstrate stewardship in our church and community and learn about opportunities for you.
Join us on the adventure to learn more about how you can respond to God's call to love and serve our neighbors.
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Friday Fellowship
March 17, 10 AM at Rio Grande
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Women's Bible Study
Today at 9:30 AM at Emma's. Snacks will be provided.
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Easter Lilies
Would you like to purchase an Easter Lily in honor or in memory of someone? Lilies are $15 or whatever more you feel called to give. Any excess funds from the cost of purchase of lilies will go to the "Flood Fund" for repairs. Pick up a form in the Narthex to include with your donation, use the Vanco Mobile app, click here to go to the online contribution page or click on the "Give Now" button on the website. Deadline for orders is Palm Sunday, April 2nd.
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Transition process update
Thank you to those who have agreed to serve on the Hutto Lutheran Church Transition Team! Please feel free to contact them with questions about the process.
Jane Bolgen, 512-413-7242, jbolgen@gmail.com
Joe Cook, 612-702-5466, CharleJCook@yahoo.com
Randall Craig, 512-508-0847, dogboy1957@gmail.com
Brenda Graham 512-759-1314, bgraham002@austin.rr.com
Tami Johnson, 512-423-3798, tj1968@gmail.com
Jeff Svoboda, jksvoboda86@gmail.com
Becky Zimmermann, 512-630-4294, becky.zimmerman@dell.com
Upcoming congregational listening and sharing opportunities:
Faith Formation Inventory
See notes about Midweek Lenten services above.
Please hold the team in prayer as they begin the journey of listening to the congregation, to the community and to the Holy Spirit in preparation for the next chapter at Hutto Lutheran Church. If you would like to send an email to the Transition Team you can send it to transition@huttolutheranchurch.org.
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Easter Eggs and Candy Collection Plastic Easter eggs, candy and/or financial donations for Easter Egg hunt greatly appreciated. Hunt will take place 9:30am Easter Sunday April 9th. | |
Coming Events
March 17th - Office Closed
April 14-16, 2023 Spring Congregational retreat at Camp Chrysalis
Recurring meetings and events
Click on the heading above to open a window of the current month's events. Or click on the 'Church Calendar' link at the top of this eLink
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Cemetery Corner
For Cemetery Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 1st, there are 10 Lots that need adopting for cleanup. They are all in Section I, which is the section on the left side of the main entrance to the cemetery. If you are interested in adopting a lot that needs special attention for one day, please text Donna Fowler @ 512 736-2001 with your choice of: Lot #16 Forsberg, Lot#23 Carl Peterson, Lot #25 Hyltin, Lot #26 J.A.Johnson, Lot #34 J.E.Johnson, Lot #35 Orlean Peterson,
Lot#36 Carlson, Lot#40 Anderson, Lot #41 Larson, Lot #42 Swenson. There is plenty of general clean-up to do without adopting a lot as well, so if you are able, please join us with your rakes, hoes, gloves, and a bucket if you have it. Hope to see you there!
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OWL's Schedule
The HLC OWL's meeting for March will be Wednesday the 22nd. We will be welcoming Mayors Mike Snyder of Hutto and Brandt Rydell of Taylor. They will be talking to us about the changes coming to our communities. The lunch menu is Frito Pie, salad, fruit and desserts. We will be purchasing 6 qts of chili from the youth for the Frito Pie. A donation will be taken to pay for the chili. All additional funds will be donated to the youth for camp. A signup sheet is in the narthex to bring Fritos, cheese, sour cream, other toppings, salad, fruit and dessert.
Our April meeting will be on the 26th with a visit to the Wendish Heritage Museum in Giddings. We will meet at HLC to carpool. Our time there will include a meal and guided tour of the facility. The meal includes Sausage, Sauerkraut, their famous homemade Wendish Noodles, Pickled Beets, Green Beans, Dill Pickles, Homemade bread & butter, Tea & Coffee and a homemade dessert.
They request reservations for the meal and that a single check be made out to them. The Cost will be $20 a person. To reserve your spot, please make contribution to HLC and indicate OWL's for the purpose.
A link to their website is below.
Wendish page
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Cemetery Work Day, Memorial Tree Planting and Egg Hunt
Join us on April 1st from 8:00am-12:00pm for a time of fellowship, service and community for a workday at Hutto Lutheran Church Cemetery. In addition to preparing the cemetery for Easter Sunrise services, we will remember any loved ones who have died as we plant a new tree. All ages welcome. You might even find some eggs hidden around the cemetery!
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Stringed Instruments:
If you are a stringed instrument player (any level from beginner to pro), we are forming an ensemble to add to the worship experience at Hutto Lutheran Church. We will be meeting for short rehearsal sessions directly after worship on the second Sundays of the month. We will focus on familiar songs with just a few chords and easy strum patterns as we start the group, and you don’t need to be able to read music. We are looking for fellowship with others interested in making a joyful noise unto the Lord! (We have a few ukuleles to loan out if anyone wants to give it a try.)
For more info call Trudy Simon at (512) 554-5417 or email her here
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Financial Status
The Financial Status of HLC thru the end of February 2023 follows:
Total budget $38,077
Total expenditures $32,483
Total income $32,305 for a
Income under expenses by $178
Income under budget by $5,772
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Adult Education
We will be studying the book 'Making Sense of the Cross' for our Lent Adult Sunday School series. The books are here and can be picked up by contacting Meg Jameson. The class times will be in the Fellowship Hall at 9 AM the Sundays before Palm Sunday. We will not be having class this Sunday, the 19th.
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Prayer List
Have a prayer request for March? Email the Office with a prayer request for you or someone you love. Requests will be left on the list for the month of March. Feel free to submit request again for continued prayers in April.
Judy Prater; Cory Morrison, son of Jill Johnson, Nolan Davis Sturm, great grandson of Iola Sturm, Nathan Pompa, grandson of Dennis & Christina Pompa; Helmer Dahl, David Dahl; Barb Kinnaman; Debbie Cummins, Barbie Johnson, the family of Mary Carlin family of Robin Valera, Sean Quinlan son of Claudia Cook's coworker
Seeking personal prayer?
If your need is private, and you don't want your name publicly posted in this eLink email the Office directly.
Your request can get passed along to HLC's small confidential prayer team. In life's difficult times (we all have them), know that HLC is ready to lift you up in prayer.
Know someone who could use a prayer blanket?
Many thanks to our prayer shawl ministry team for blankets made for HLC congregation. Supplies for fleece tie prayer blankets available to make a blanket for anyone in the community in need of prayer. Email Pastor Amanda pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org to find out more.
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Worship Participants
Council Rep
Kirtus Kolar
Wednesday
Lector
Donna Fowler
Sunday
Altar Guild
Rodney Westphal
Cantor
Barbie Johnson
Lector
Joe & Mercedes Cook
Assisting Minister
Donna Fowler
Communion Assistant
Donna Fowler
Children's Message
Barb Kinnaman
Altar Flowers
Thanksgiving Moment
Worship Volunteers
sign up to volunteer in worship
or email the office if you wish to put your name on the sign-up.
Munch 'n Mingle - provide snacks for before and after worship in the Narthex (will resume after Narthex is repaired)
Greeter - Welcome members and guests
Lector - Read the lessons for the day in worship.
Assisting Minister - One or two people to offer the prayers of intercession.
Communion Assistant - Assist with serving communion.
Altar Guild - Set up for and take down after communion.
Thanksgiving moment - One person to share briefly (two or three minutes) something they are grateful for.
Altar Flowers provide flowers for both sides of the altar.
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Birthdays
02 Kate Radzyminski
03 Barbie Johnson
08 Mark Reswik
08 Karin Stern
08 Gulf Walters
11 Joe Cook
11 Rob David, Jr
14 Matrthew Cook
14 William Stern
15 Paula Martin
16 Matilda Rydell
20 Coleen Klatt
22 Clare Murray
22 Harlan Svoboda
22 Kathy Svoboda
23 Lois Haag
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Anniversaries
10 Dabuek & Leslie Doty
19 Mark & Nancy Lidell
31 Bobby & Karin Stern
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Office Info
Pastor Amanda plans to be in Hutto Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM either at the church or out making visits. If you would like to visit with her and want to confirm she will be in the office or want to meet outside of those times, you can reach her by phone 512-636-9784 or by email pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org
Office Hours
Office hours are Tuesday to Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM or by appointment.
Contact info
Reach the office by leaving a message on the Church phone (512) 759-2064 or email the church office at office@huttolutheranchurch.org
Ash Wednesday, March 8
Worship Service, March 12
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