Mattie Davis Porch Build

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s Rev. Jeff Hesterman and 15 congregational members came together to help build a front porch for our member, Mrs. Mattie Davis. Pastor Jeff’s skills as a carpenter were very much appreciated. His prayer at the end of the day gave praise to a blessed and beautiful day. We all thank Thrivent Financial for making our Action Team Project a success.

 

“Gas Station Roses” Album by Rev. Eric Klemme

Rev. Eric Klemme has recently recorded an album: “Gas Station Roses.” It is an Americana/Folk and Rockabilly album of original songs played on ukulele and guitar. Sale proceeds from now until Christ the King’s third annual car show, Cruising With the King, will go to support the free show and its community outreach purpose. This is the only show in the entire region that has not been canceled due to COVID-19.

“Gas Station Roses” is available for $9.99 through itunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/gas-station-roses/1516070739

 

We’re Back! St. John Celebrates a Special Pentecost Sunday

What a wonderful blessing it was to have Pentecost Sunday worship as our first “in-person service” back in the beautiful sanctuary of St. John Lutheran Church in New Orleans! The “We’re Back!” worship included the excitement of welcoming twelve new members to the St. John family!!! It truly was a day to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The city of New Orleans was in phase one of reopening and we filled our phase one capacity while implementing all CDC guidelines. Our windows and doors were open, which allowed for the music of a pianist, organist, and choir, along with the Word of God, to be heard outside on Canal Street.

It was a fantastic day of celebration on many levels. We held a brief reception outside, maintaining social distance, to visit with each other and especially recognize our new members.

We’re back and we’re loving it! Thank you, Jesus!

Drive-By Brisket at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Biloxi

Like prayers rise up as incense, so does the smell of brisket from the homemade concrete smoker that has been behind the fellowship hall at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Biloxi, Mississippi, for many many years. Known for their culinary skills in everything from award-winning gumbo to whole pig roasts, these culinary servants never cease to appease even the most critical taste buds.

Sunday, May 17, 2020, was no exception as the congregation was welcomed back to the church, after two months of online worship only, with a meal during “Drive-By Brisket.” Including many first responders and medical personnel, the group of champion volunteers served more than one hundred plates of smoked brisket, beans, coleslaw, and bread to anyone who drove by. Many tasting connoisseurs commented that this was the best brisket they had ever had. While our prayers still rise up to the heavenly Father for the health and safety of everyone in the congregation and in the community, a rewarding meal and even safe opportunity to touch base was enjoyed by all. To God be the glory!

Christ Lutheran in Tuscaloosa Celebrates Black History Month

The congregation of Christ Lutheran Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is celebrating African American Month by wearing Black history celebration t-shirts during worship. Ms. Cheryl Montgomery, church secretary, donated the shirts. Other activities will include a Black history program presented by the youth on February 23, 2020, and a free screening of The First Rosa movie on February 29, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The community is invited. To God be the glory!

Sunday School’s MIGHTY Christmas Message

The young Sunday school class at Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, Alabama, may be small—but their message is MIGHTY! These three 2-5 year-olds demonstrated the Christmas story with the help of narrator Jennifer Wiley on Christmas Eve. Our angel, Selena Gonzalez, spoke the angelic words of Luke 2:10, 14; and our shepherds – Benjamin Gonzalez and Oscar Vinci – along with their sheep, were led to the manger to look upon the Christ child. This was a glorious portrayal of the manger scene, and it was definitely a high point in the Christmas Eve candlelight service.