The Epistle: Weekly News from HTLC

Epistle

News from Holy Trinity

WORSHIP

Weekend Worship

This weekend we will celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord.

For the time being, we will gather virtually to worship together. Worship Videos will be posted on our website, HTLC app and YouTube at 5:00 pm on Saturdays so you can worship at a time that is most convenient for you.

The bulletin, readings and prayers, children's bulletin, and worship notes are available on our website. Prayer requests may be submitted online. Please complete a Welcome Card when you worship.

Worship Video Changes

We are taking a step forward in our ability to offer online worship. This week we will begin to use hardware and software that enable us to both record and livestream our worship. You will notice this in a new format for song lyrics and responses that will appear in a box on the screen. You will also notice that, while keeping distance and wearing masks, worship leaders are together presenting the service all at once instead of recording “parts.” We will be learning and growing into these new capabilities. They will allow us to transition to live worship when it is safe and, at the same time, allow us to continue offering an online presence. Thank you for your support and kind words of thanks and encouragement over these months.

Epiphany Prayer Services

Wednesdays, Jan. 20 & Feb. 3

6:30 pm

Click here for the online Zoom prayer service.

STUDY, SERVE, SUPPORT

New Adult Learning Class

Sermon on the Mount: A Beginners Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven

This six-part, video-based study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) focuses on the marks of discipleship and the Reign of God in our daily living.

The first session begins Jan. 13 at 7:15 pm via Zoom.

Fellowship Groups

Join a group to connect with others from Holy Trinity:

Brew for You: Coffee
Brew for You: Beer
Dessert for 8

These groups are a great way to meet people and have fellowship with others from our congregation. Each group sets their own schedule and meets once a month for four months, beginning in February. The first meetings will be online using Zoom. Click here to register online by Thursday, Jan. 28, for the group(s) that interest you.

HyVee Grocery Bags

For the month of January, Holy Trinity Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable red "My Heart" Bag at the Hy-Vee store located at Hy-Vee 2510 SW State Street, Ankeny IA.

Thank You! Mosaic Cards and Gifts

Thank you for your donations to Mosaic. Holy Trinity provided gifts for 24 individuals who are served by Mosaic. We also delivered 38 pies for them to enjoy on Thanksgiving.

Thank you for being amazing ministry partners. We are grateful for all you do to help us empower people to live their best lives!

Love, Your Mosaic in Central Iowa Friends

Holy Trinity Food Pantry

The north entry doors will be open each Monday from 9:00-11:00 am to drop off donated items. If you prefer to give at other times, you can stock the Helping Hands boxes located in the south parking lot. You can also make a monetary contribution to the food pantry.

The Food Pantry is in need of the following items:

Toilet paper and paper towels
Canned chicken
Canned fruit
Canned beans
Peanut butter
Recently purchased ground beef, chicken or other mainstay meats that are in 1-2 pound packages. Please place in the freezer located in the Food Pantry.

Due to space constraints, our food pantry does not accept clothing or other household items.

Your monetary, food and personal care gifts are an outreach of God's love to the Ankeny community. Thank you for giving generously!

THOUGHTS FROM PASTORS & STAFF

The Last Word & Cancer

Cancer is just a word until it comes close. Until a doctor says the biopsy was positive and you know it has invaded part of your body, it is just a word. Until you hold the hand of your beloved feeling helpless, trying to imagine the road ahead, cancer is a distant tragedy suffered by others. Until you bear the title “survivor,” and cancer is an indelible word tattooed in your very being, cancer can be rather abstract. Cancer is a terrifying word that nurtures fears of pain, suffering and death.

Read this week's Grace Notes

Giving Statements

Look for your 2020 contribution statement via email or mail by the IRS deadline of January 31, 2021. The statement will also be available in your Realm account; you will receive an email as soon as it is ready. If your mailing address or email address have changed this year, please email Lisa Strnad in the office.