Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

1)  A Total of 34 attended worship this past Sunday.  We had 3 visitors and even though we lost an hour of sleep with the time change, we had our largest attendance for our Adult Education to date.  20 showed up for Christian Education to hear Dr. Myron Fogde, speak on Early American Lutheran History especially the life and times of  Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.  He begged us not to use old remedies in today’s unique situations, to find the needs of the community and address those needs.  It was informative as well as challenging.  We were also blessed with Special Music: Adam Gronewold performing a Tuba solo, “Tarentella” Composed by Harold L. Walters.  Such talent we have at Lord of Love in our Youth.

2)  The Fifth Sunday in Lent:  The Lord helps us to pass, to make it through despair and death.  Imagine that you are a busy type of person, always doing what is expected of you, or imagine that you are on the other end of the pendulum, you are more sociable, and one that skirts around what you are supposed to be doing, to be more personal.  Now include that your brother had just died.  Or, imagine that you are really sick with very little or no hope of getting better, matter of fact you are isolated so no one would catch your dreaded disease.  Or, (last one) imagine you are totally on the opposite extreme, you are dead, literally. You are in the grave, no breath, no life, dead and buried, as you should be! These are the past experiences of those that surround Jesus in our Gospel text for today.  He is at the home of the Simon the leper, and joined by Lazarus who had been dead and his two sisters, Mary and Martha.  Now this group who had been in deepest despair is now doing just great.  And what has brought about such a change, having Jesus in their lives.  They surely could sing with new meaning, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart!”  Christ’s ability to speak to our lives and to change our predicaments even if we are dead, should produce in a faith similar to the Psalmist ¹The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

3) Bishop Gary Wollersheim has honored Lord of Love, again, this time by inviting us to the Northern Illinois Synod, 2010 Congregational Resourcing Event, “Becoming a Missional Church,”.  The event is being held at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois, this Saturday, March 20, 2010, 8:30-3:30. Eight of us have signed up to go.  We will have time to fellowship and to learn.   Follow this link for more information:http://www.nisynod.org/cre/

4) Making Plans for Easter?

Wednesday:  March 31 Way of the Cross Service: 7pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church 3200 Asbury,Dubuque, Iowa 52001.  Gather first in the Sanctuary to share readings and songs.  Then by groups be led through eight Stations of the Cross which will be portrayed in various locations throughout the church building.  Responsive readings will be shared at each station.  (Maybe we will have a caravan to go over?)  Look for additional info later.

Thursday: April 1 “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PM Thursday, April 1^st Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium. The Worship Committee:   President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill.

Friday: April 2 “Good Friday Service” The United Churches of Galena are presenting, “Faces at the Cross”  with area High School Youth along with the combined church choirs.  7pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 400 Franklin St.

Sunday:  April 4 “Sonrise Worship” At sunrise, 6:35am, Liz Mitchell will be our special speaker.  “Complimentary Breakfast” right after Sonrise Worship.  Easter Worship, at Ramada, 10am.

5)LESSONS: ‘Lutheran Education Sunday School on Non-Sundays’ The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday at 6p.m., at the Midwest Medical Center. All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend. The next meeting is this Thursday, March 25. Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack

6) Opportunities for Fellowship:  March 20^th,  The TSCS Dinner and Auction. Dinner tickets are $12 for an excellent buffet style chicken dinner with all the “fixins”  Silent auction starts at 5 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m., Live auction 7 p.m.   People can come to the auction for free if they don’t want dinner.  We would consider it a blessing for item donations — crafts, artwork, antiques, nice used furniture, gift items, gift baskets, gift certificates, piano lessons, etc.

7)  We are now on YouTube! Check out our website: www.lord-of-love-galena.org.  We are also onFacebook, Lord-of-Love-Lutheran-Church-Galena. And we have a Blog:http://revdhilllol.wordpress.com/

8)  We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.   Adult Christian Education will be at 9am and Worship at 10am.

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community(SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod(NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ. We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You will always be welcomed.

Prayer of the Day

Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son.  Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Celebrating Three Months in Existence

Of Worshiping an Everlasting God!!!

and

“Expressing our Faith in Love to All”

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

1) A Total of 48 attended worship this past Sunday.  We had 5 visitors.  As I said in my last Reflections, before I lay claim to someone becoming a participant of Lord of Love, I give them a second opportunity to express their desire to be a participant.  I have done that and we can add three more to our number of participants, bringing our total to 71.  What a joy and a responsibility.  It says to me that the ministry is needed and is important due to Lord of Love being a SAWC, a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community of the ELCA.  The Northern Illinois Synod, gave us approval with the understanding that a ‘mission need’ in this ‘community’ needed to be made ‘apparent’.  The permission for this SAWC, Lord of Love, was granted in the Spirit of Gamaliel as recorded in the 5^th chapter of Acts; if this undertaking is of human origin it will fail but if it is of God it will be successful.  Thus, everyday, as recorded in 1Pe 3:15, we need to always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls upon us to give an account for the hope that is in us.  And give that hope with gentleness and reverence!   We have marked three months as a SWAC.  My license in Word and Sacrament, and in Pastoral Ministry, is to be reviewed after 6 months.  We are half way there.  As I have said so many times before, Lord of Love is not about me, nor about you, it is about all of us, it is bigger than you or I.  Praise be to God.

A Visit from Dr. Myron Fodge

2) I need your help; I know you’ve heard that before! Some of the key people [that is people who have keys] have already heard this: On the 14th of March, the day of the time change, at 8:45am, 15 minutes earlier so that we will be ready to start at 9am.  Dr. Myron Fogde, will be our guest for Adult Education.  Dr. Fogde will be speaking on: The life and times of  HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG, (1711-1787), , an immigrant from Germany and considered the founder of the Lutheran Church in America. I’m asking as many as possible be there to meet him.  If you can, RSVP, so that I’ll know how hard I need to work to get more people there. He describes himself, “A farm boy from Northwest Iowa, I graduated from Graettinger High School, St. Olaf College, Luther Theological Seminary and the University of Chicago. My PhD concentration was in religion on the American frontier (Muhlenberg fits into this). My research and publication has been on Montana and Western Illinois/Eastern Iowa frontiers. I taught religion at Carthage College and for 35 years at Augustana College,Rock Island. I have enjoyed retirement for eleven years.”

Please come out and welcome Dr. Fogde.  Thanks to Dr. Thomas Hanson, who was instrumental in Dr. Fogde coming to us.

3) Third Sunday of Lent: Luke 13:1-9  In this third Sunday in Lent, as we prepare ourselves and as we journey toward the resurrection of Easter, we learn about ‘trouble’.  Often we judge others (usually not ourselves) by how much trouble they have in their life.  Although this sometimes may be accurate it is not always the case.  In this lesson Christ affirms that the way a person dies is not a reflection on how they have lived.  He tells a parable of a fig tree that got into trouble, because it was apparently good for nothing, not even worth its salt (as my Dad use to say). “Cut it down”, get rid of it, was the understandable cry made by the owner.  Like the tree, sometimes our lack of action and sometimes our actions get us into trouble.  But like the tree, we have some one like the gardener who said, give it another chance, let it alone, don’t bother it, and let me work with it for another year.  In the midst of our trouble even when we have caused the trouble, Christ offers us His saving grace, His peace that surpasses all understanding, His mercy that lasts, not only for a year but from everlasting to everlasting. Maybe that is why he promised in John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

4) Leila Anwar:  International Women’s Day. Liela will read one of her many wonderful poems this Sunday in honor of International Women’s Day, which is Monday, March 8^th. It is a “documentary” poem about the woman who was executed by the Taliban in             2002-3.  The poem was published in Juliens Journal last year for this anniversary, and was published by the Freeport Arts Center in their anthology “Women’s Stories” the year before.  It is said to be a ‘somber’ poem, and Leila confesses, it was written in the midst of tears.  I believe this is so appropriate for ‘Lent’ as we look at the basics of serving the Lord in grace and justice.  All are invited to come and hear a portion of Leila’s journey.

5)LESSONS: ‘Lutheran Education Sunday School on Non-Sundays’

The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday at 6p.m., at the Midwest Medical Center. All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend. The next meeting is this Thursday, March 10. Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack

6) Opportunities for Fellowship:

March 5^th,  World Day of Prayer:  12noon at the United Methodist Church 

March 6^th,  Chamber of Commerce:  Trade Show, 10a.m.-3 P.M at the Convention Center. According to Judy Dixon, attendance has been in the hundreds the past few years, so it would be very good for LOL to be represented with several members in attendance.  Contact Judy if you can be there to help man the booth, or help setup  Fri. from to 5:30 – 7:30, there will be a Business After Hours for everyone to attend. It is a very good way for us to network!!!  Thanks so much, Judy

March 20^th,  The TSCS Dinner and Auction. Dinner tickets are $12 for an excellent buffet style chicken dinner with all the “fixins”  Silent auction starts at 5 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m., Live auction 7 p.m.   People can come to the auction for free if they don’t want dinner.  We would consider it a blessing for item donations — crafts, artwork, antiques, nice used furniture, gift items, gift baskets, gift certificates, piano lessons…

The school can arrange pick-up for larger items.    They are asking for a list of items.

They need to be at the school by March 15th.   Anyone can contact Lori Murphy or the school.    TSCS 815-777-3800.

Way of the Cross Service: Wednesday, March 31, 7pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church 3200 Asbury, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.  Gather first in the Sanctuary to share readings and songs.  Then by groups be led through eight stations of the Cross which will be portrayed in various locations throughout the church building.  Responsive readings will be shared at each station.  (Maybe we will have a caravan to go over?)  Look for additional info later..

6) “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PM Thursday, April 1^st Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium. The Worship Committee:   President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill.

7)  Check out our website: www.lord-of-love-galena.org.  We are also on Facebook, Lord-of-Love-Lutheran-Church-Galena.

8)  We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.   Adult Christian Education will be at 9am and Worship at 10am.

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community(SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod(NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ. We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You will always be welcomed.

Prayer of the Day
Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son.  Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

WHAT A WEEK IT HAS BEEN!!!

“Expressing our Faith in Love to All”

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

RECORD ATTENDANCE

1) A Total of 88 attended worship this past Sunday.  It was our highest attendance to date.  We had 14 visitors plus we were blessed with the presence ofthe University of Dubuque Gospel Choir.  The choir and their advisor, Prof. Amy Ressler, had the church, as one of the teenagers remarked, “rocking.”  It was great time of worshipping the Lord cross-culturally.  The choir reminded me of times at Logan Street Baptist Church in Batavia and Progressive BaptistChurch in Elgin.  We also used the hymn book, ‘This Far By Faith’ that was loaned to us for the day by, Wartburg Seminary.  ‘This Far By Faith’ is a Lutheran hymnbook specifically designed for African-American congregations.  No one would have charged the congregation with being part of the ‘frozen-chosen’ on this day.  Before I lay claim to someone becoming a participant of Lord of Love, I give them a second opportunity to express their desire to be a participant.  I have not done that yet, but when I do I will let you know how many new participants we received for that day.  You can see part of the worship at our website:www.lord-of-love-galena.org.

A VISIT TO THE BISHOP

2) A Visit To Bishop Wollersheim:  O what a Blessing. Nancy Peterson, Pastor Kurt Nordby, and myself, met with the Bishop this past Wednesday and set the course of myself and Lord of Love. The Bishop offered us a course that was more than I expected of deserved.  Nancy Peterson expressed it wonderful in her letter to the members of the church. You can find it on my Blog at:

http://revdhilllol.wordpress.com/wp-admin/page.php?action=edit&post=44&message=4

A HEALING SESSION

3) 25 attended the session on How to Heal and Move on: After change, loss or grief, presented by Mary Sheahen, Cheir Executive Officer of the MidwestMedical Center.

Thank You Mary.

A YOUTH MEETING

4)  LESSONS: ‘Lutheran Education Sunday School on Non-Sundays’ Our Youth Group met this Thursday and I had a ball.  Jane the youth leader has a knack for ignoring the adults and keeping to task with the youth.  Temptation, courtesy, the season of Lent and sacrifice was some of the topics she shared with the youth and the adults.  I think the young people enjoyed themselves too.

The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday at 6p.m., at the Midwest Medical Center. All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend. The next meeting will be March 10. Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack

5) Second Sunday of Lent: Luke 13:31-35  Rejection!  Rejection!!  Rejection!!!  In last Sunday’s lesson, we examine that we, even as Christians, will be confronted with Satan and temptations.  In this Sunday’s lesson we examine the difficult but unavoidable task of being confronted with rejection. Not everybody is going to like us.  As we travel the course of Lent and prepare for Easter, it does us well to learn how our Lord responded to someone wanting to ‘kill’ him (Rejection does not get much greater than that).  When warned and reminded that Herod wanted him dead, Jesus responded by requesting that they tell Herod, that he would be continuing his work, “Today, tomorrow, and the next day, until his work was completed.” It would do us well, when we realize that someone is trying to be destructive to us, to continue on being ourselves and doing what is right and just.  I’ve heard that there are two types of Christians, thermometers and thermostats.

Thermometer Christians, reflect the climate they are in, for instance, if they are cheerful, and walk into a climate that is depressing they become depressed. Thermostat Christian, set the climate they are in, for instance, if they are cheerful and walk into a depressing room, the room becomes more cheerful.  In the face of rejection, continue on!

6) “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PM Thursday, April 1^st Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium. The Worship Committee:   President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill.

7)  Dr. Myron Fogde, retired  Professor Emeritus, Department of Religion, Augustana College is a noted historian and will be with us March 14, 2010, during our Adult Education.  To give Dr. Fogde plenty of time we will start at 8:45am Sunday Morning.  Dr. Fodge will be sharing with us his extensive understanding of the life and times of HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG, (1711-1787), who is the principal organizer of American Lutheranism. Please come out and welcome Dr. Fogde.  Thanks to Dr. Thomas Hanson, who was instrumental in Dr. Fogde coming to us.

8)   Check out our website: www.lord-of-love-galena.org.  We are also on Facebook, Lord-of-Love-Lutheran-Church-Galena.

9) Things to do:

March 5, 2010 World Day of Prayer, Friday, at the United Methodist Church.

March 6-2010  Chamber of Commerce:  Trade Show, 10a.m.-3 P.M at the Convention Center. According to Judy Dixon, attendance has been in the hundreds the past few years, so it would be very good for LOL to be represented with several members in attendance.  Contact Judy if you can be there to help man the booth, or help setup  Fri. from to 5:30 – 7:30, there will be a Business After Hours for everyone to attend. It is a very good way for us to network (without RECRUTING)!!!  Thanks so much, Judy.

March 20^th The TSCS Dinner and Auction. Dinner tickets are $12 for an excellent buffet style chicken dinner with all the “fixins”  Silent auction starts at 5 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m., Live auction 7 p.m.   People can come to the auction for free if they don’t want dinner.

We would consider it a blessing for item donations — crafts, artwork, antiques, nice used furniture, gift items, gift baskets, gift certificates, piano lessons…

The school can arrange pick-up for larger items.    They are asking for a list of items with amounts for value by March 1st.  Items need to be at school by March 15th.   Anyone can contact me with those, or the school.    TSCS 815-777-3800 or   Lori 815-777-4273

10) We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.   Adult Christian Education will be at 9am and Worship at 10am.

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community(SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod(NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ. We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You will always be welcomed.

Prayer of the Day

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world,  Gather all peoples into your arms and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Anticipating the arrival of

“University of Dubuque - Gospel Choir”

This coming Sunday: 2-21-10 – 10am Worship Service

Celebrating the Season of Lent

1)  The University of Dubuque Gospel Choir was started in 2007 by just a few students who wanted to praise God through music in a way that reflected their worship experience at their home churches. Building upon the strength and passion of that group, the choir grew steadily and added community members and musicians. By 2008, the choir became an academic ensemble, and now serves the University of Dubuque and the surrounding community with music for chapel and church services, campus celebrations and holiday concerts. They bring a mixture of gospel and contemporary Christian music.  Their spring concert — An Easter Celebration — is scheduled for April 8th at 7:30 p.m. on the University of Dubuque campus.
Amy Ressler joined the Gospel choir in 2008 as advisor, and is Associate Professor of Theatre Arts in the Fine & Performing Arts Department at the University ofDubuque. In addition to her work with the Gospel choir, she also teaches and directs an annual play and a musical at the University. Ms. Ressler is the founding artistic director of the award-winning Great Midwestern Educational Theatre Company, a member of the I.O.O.F. of Galena, Wildey Lodge. She is also advisor to the UD Drama Club, Black Student Union and Spartanettes Dance Team.
Come, show up, and help us welcome them to Galena and Lord of Love Lutheran Church.

2a) We were blessed this past Sunday as we celebrated the Transfiguration of Christ. Hans Stucki rendered to us in song and Tom and Mary Grant shared their testimony.  Hans did an old favorite: “Precious Lord Take My Hand” by the late Thomas A. Dorsey.  Tom and Mary told of their vast experience walking with the Lord and their very active participation in church.  We had 33 in attendance this Sunday and in the midst of it all, we had one more join us in our mission: ‘Expressing our Faith in Love to All’.  This brings our total membership to 68.  After this time I may no longer include our total membership.  At the beginning it seemed very important.  Now there are so many more pertinent things we are doing and focusing on.

2b) And then we went to the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.  At the request of Andi Deckert, Activities Director, Mary and I, and Hans and Marilyn Stucki, led worship service for the community. We had a grand time.  Hans led the music with his accordian, playing a wide range of music.  My topic was from today’s scripture where Peter stated, ”It is good for us to be here.”  The residents were very responsive, singing at least a part or all, of the songs.  The greatest surprise was when Hans played a polka, some of the residents started singing the words.  It was a radiant time on Transfiguration Sunday.

3)  Lent!!!  Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent.  It is a solemn time of fasting and repentance, as we prepare for the resurrection of Easter.  It begins 40 days before Easter.   The 40 days commemorates the time that, according to our gospel lesson for this week, St. Luke 4:13, Jesus spent in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan, before beginning his public ministry.  There are theologians who say Jesus was tested but certainly not tempted.  Even though he was hungry, he was not tempted, as we are tempted, to fall prey to the devices of the Satan.  James 1:13-14, tells us about temptation: God cannot be tempted and God does not tempt anyone.  Also, if we are tempted, we are tempted by our own desires; pulled and persuaded by them.  A little boy, glancing at the taffy apples, while there with his Dad, is warned by the storekeeper, “I see you trying to take one of those taffy apples.”  The little boy answers, “No sir, I’m trying not to take one of those apples.”  Now, that is temptation and I might add, trying to pass the test.  In days of old, this 40 day period was used to train new converts and prepare them for baptism on Easter.  Today, we now prepare ourselves for Easter, not only by fasting and repentance, but also by service, kindness and prayer.  So, what are you giving up for Lent, or better yet, what are you doing for Lent?

4) ARE YOU COMING??? How to Heal and Move on: After change, loss or grief!

This Sunday, Feb. 21^st, 4:00 pm at the Midwest Medical Center, Mary Sheahen, chief executive officer of Midwest Medical Center will host a free session on Healing, sponsored by Lord of Love Lutheran Church. Participants will examine ways of sharing, understanding, coping and moving on in their daily lives.  At some point in all of our lives, we will experience grief.  It could be due to the loss of a loved one or a significant life change, like loss of a job.  Grief is a normal and important part of the healing process. Often it can be accompanied by physical, psychological, and spiritual reactions, which are different for each person. Understanding grief and how to cope will help with the healing process.  Pre-registration is not necessary but appreciated. Register by returning this email.

5)  Thanks to Dr. Thomas (Tom) Hanson: Who has been leading our adult education class with a series on “Building Our Worship: The Fundamentals of Lutheran Worship”.   Starting this Sunday, (if Pastor Tom is not available) Pastor Hill will begin a series on, ‘Reclaiming the “L” Word’ based on the book by Kelly A. Fryer.  Christian Education meets Sunday, 9-9:45am.

6) “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PM Maundy Thursday, April 1st

Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium.

The Worship Committee: President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill.  Next regular meeting of the Worship Committee: Thursday, March 4, 8:00am at Midwest Medical Center.  Next rehearsal date for the cast of LLS is Feb. 25, 7:00pm at Midwest Medical Center.

7)   OUR YOUTH The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday 6:00pm, at the Midwest Medical Center. The next meeting will be February 25th.  All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend.  Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack.

Our sites: www.lord-of-love-galena.org Facebook: Lord of Love Lutheran Church Galena Twitter: http://twitter.com/RevdhillLOL:

Blog: http://revdhilllol.wordpress.com/

We are trying a different format for our Pastor’s Reflection.  Some have said, they could not read our last Pastor’s Reflection, it is on our Blog.

9)  We have been invited to participate at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, in their Ash Wednesday Service, Feb 17, at 6:00pm.  For Lent beginning the 25^th, they will have Lenten Soup Supper and Study every Thursday, 6:00pm until approximately 7:30pm.   Begin with soup, bread, veggie trays, dessert, etc, and proceed to studying, Knowing God’s Triune Story by Michael Lindvall.  Cost of the book $11

10) Talent Sheets by end of February!  Pick up and Turn In.  Thank all of you that has completed and turned them in.

11) We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.   Adult Christian Education will be at 9:00am and Worship at 10:00am.

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community (SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod (NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ.

Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land.  Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

“Expressing our Faith in Love to All”

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

1) A Total of 51 attended this past Sunday, Suwaree (Hastings) Sutsukon, an exchange student with the Hastings family, shared a portion of her story with us.  And one more joined us in our mission: ‘Expressing our Faith in Love to All’.  This brings our total membership to 67.  Every so often, I remind the congregation that we are still in the ‘honeymoon period’, that time when people come because it is new. Those that do come, I share with them that as a family we are a little noisier and a little more excited than most.  I explain to them that if they knew from whence we have come and compared that with where we are today, they will understand why we give praise a little more loudly than the rest!  We are not trying to just count numbers, nor just make the numbers count.  We are offering a safe haven to those who want to praise the Lord, to let others know of the saving power of the Word of God.  It is not about me, it is not about you, and it is not about them.  It is about all of us and about the Love the Lord has bestowed on us and how we are responding to that love.  “The church family was truly blessed also and certainly inspired,” stated one of the attendee’s.  ”I am guessing that the whole experience will bring the people of LOL even closer and make them even more resolved to build a vibrant, Christ centered congregation.” a comment after we had experienced one of our “bumps in the road” that all churches experience.  ”All that matters is that you speak the word of the Lord and will stick to it.” came from one of our youth.  “Through God’s grace I have that Christian home and family now,” from one of the Mothers in the church.

2) Transfiguration of Our Lord: In Luke 9:28-36,  In this Sunday Gospel text, a powerful thing happened when Jesus took Peter, John, and James, up on a mountain top to pray.  While Christ is praying, He is transformed.  His face changes, His clothes become a dazzling white.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared in Glory and in the midst of a cloud, God affirms Jesus’ identity. It is reminiscent of the days of Moses.  He wore a veil  to hide from the people because his face glowed after being in the presence of God. May we in our lives, reflect when we have been with Jesus.  May we glow with the joy and love that Christ brings!

3) Happy Valentine’s Day.  We are going to celebrate by going to Galena Nursing Home.  At 4pm we have been asked to do a half-hour service for the residents.  Everyone is invited to come.

4.) How to Heal and Move on:   After change, loss or grief

Dealing with grief, loss, and life changes is not always easy. Mary Sheahen, chief executive officer of Midwest Medical Center will host a free session on Healing, sponsored by Lord of Love Lutheran Church. Participants will examine ways of sharing, understanding, coping and moving on in their daily lives.  The workshop will be offered Sunday, Feb. 21^st at the Midwest Medical Center, Galena, IL.  The session will begin at 4 p.m. At some point in all of our lives, we will experience grief.  It could be due to the loss of a loved one or a significant life change, like loss of a job.  Grief is a normal and important part of the healing process. Often it can be accompanied by physical, psychological, and spiritual reactions, which are different for each person. Understanding grief and how to cope will help with the healing process.  Pre-registration is not necessary but appreciated. Register by calling Pastor Dennis 815-291-919 or dennisrevdh@msn.com

5) Dr. Thomas (Tom) Hanson Will be back this Sunday to lead our adult education with a series on “Building Our Worship: The Fundamentals of Lutheran Worship“.  When Dr. Tom is called away Pastor Hill fills in with a series on, “What does it mean to be a Synodically Approved Worshipping community?” Christian Education meets Sunday, 9-9:45am.

6) This Monday the Steering Committee met with Pastor Nordby and this Wednesday they are having their first official meeting with the newly elected members. Lift up our officers in prayer: Nancy Peterson, President; Milan Blaho, Vice-President; Liz Mitchell, Secretary; Duane Olivier, Treasurer; Paul Murphy, Diane Beemster, Jim Lynn, and Judy Dixon, members.

7)   “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PM Thursday, April 1st

Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium.

The Worship Committee:   President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill. Next regular meeting of the Worship Committee: Wed. Feb. 10, 8:30amat Midwest Medical Center.  Next rehearsal date for the cast of LLS is Feb. 11, 7:00pm at Midwest Medical Center.

8)  OUR YOUTH The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday at 6p.m., at the Midwest Medical Center. All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend. The next meeting will be February 11. Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack.

9)  We are now on YouTube! Check out our website: www.lord-of-love-galena.org.  Dave Becker has added a few new things.  If you have any suggestions, let him know. We are also onFacebook, Lord-of-Love-Lutheran-Church-Galena. You can sign up for the Living Last Supper and see one of the sermons.

10) Talent Sheets by end of February!  Pick up and Turn In.  Thank all of you that has completed and turned them in.

11) We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.   Adult Christian Education will be at 9am and Worship at 10am.

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community(SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod(NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ. We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You will always be welcomed.

PS)  To be taken off the mailing list, just let me know.  If you know of someone who wants to be added to our prayer list, please let Liz Mitchell or myself know of your request.   (And if there is someone you want to get back at – Forward this “Reflections” to them)

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.  Transform us into the likeness of your Son, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

It has been a busy and trying week for me.  Some highs and lows, that nudges me of the reality of life.  A fresh renewed awareness, that yes, Christ is a Lord of Love.

A High:  Church this past Sunday, Youth in Charge.

A High: Special Olympics, spending half the day, announcing the Speed Racing Results and passing out the awards.

A High: Sharing with my daughter how to fix a banister, and sharing and learning with all of my children, Valencia, Victoria, Vanessa, & Vernon, about hurt and forgiveness.

but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ Matthew 19.14:

1)  A Total of 37 attended as we celebrated our first “5^th Sunday Youth Day” by letting them take part in many of the aspect of our Worship.  It was such a high point:

• Kyle Murphy -name tags and opening music
• Will Hastings - first and second reading
• Ben and Will Nack – greeters with their mother
• Adam Gronewold – tuba solo during service
• Zack Gronewold – sax solo during offering
• Kelsey Holland and Christian Gronewold – ushers
• Everyone – refreshments

It was an eye opening experience for many of the members to see the enthusiasm and talent within our youth.  It was refreshing to hear parents saying, “They were telling me to hurry up so we can get to church!”  Thanks to all the Parents and those that work with our Youth.  It was a great day.  We also had one more person to join us in our mission of ‘expressing our faith in love to all’.  So now we are 66 strong in our Christian family.

2)  Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (the revelation of Christ): In Luke 5:1-11, this Sunday Gospel text, Simon Peter has an Epiphany.  He realizes the magnitude of who Jesus is.  Simon may have heard stories of Jesus, but now confronted with Jesus’ presence he is able to see clearly himself.  He says to Christ, “…I am a sinner”.  This manifestation takes place after Jesus demonstrates a bit of grace (showing unmerited favor). Christ has Simon put down his fishing nets into the deep sea.  Simon voiced his opinion:  “We have worked all night and caught nothing.  Yet, at your word, I’ll let down the nets.” Then something miraculous happens; they catch so many fish that the nets begin to break.  Simon signals for another boat, then something even more miraculous happens; both boats catch so many fish that they both begin to sink. Witnessing this, Simon Peter sees himself and sees Christ, and he utters, “Go away from me Lord for I am a sinful man!”  Then the most miraculous thing of all happens: Through his grace, Christ takes a person that is stained with sin and washes them to be His own body in the world; Christ takes Simon and gathers him into God’s own mission for the life of the world.  He calls Simon Peter into a work in which Christ calls all of us, to a work of witness and service, “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be a fisher of men.”  He saves us, to help save someone else.

3.  Sunday we will have a brief meeting after service:   The pros and cons of purchasing a building at this time in the life of our church will be shared with the congregation.  Lift up our officers in prayer: Nancy Peterson, President; Milan Blaho, Vice-President; Liz Mitchell, Secretary; Duane Olivier, Treasurer; Paul Murphy, Diane Beemster, Jim Lynn, and Judy Dixon, members.  If you have any questions about our SAWC please see one of them. Thank all of you for your willingness to serve.

4. How to Heal and Move on: After change, loss or grief

Dealing with grief, loss, and life changes is not always easy. Mary Sheahen, chief executive officer of Midwest Medical Center will host a free session on Healing, sponsored by Lord of Love Lutheran Church

Participants will examine ways of sharing, understanding, coping and moving on in their daily lives.  The workshop will be offered Sunday, Feb. 21^st at the Midwest Medical Center, Galena, IL.  The session will begin at 4 p.m.

At some point in all of our lives, we will experience grief.  It could be due to the loss of a loved one or a significant life change, like loss of a job.  Grief is a normal and important part of the healing process. Often it can be accompanied by physical, psychological, and spiritual reactions, which are different for each person. Understanding grief and how to cope will help with the healing process.  Pre-registration is not necessary but appreciated. Register by calling Pastor Dennis 815-291-9195 or dennisrevdh@msn.com

5.   “The Living Last Supper”   Come out and see our first annual recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Dynamic acting, realistic costumes, and special music will make this a memorable event.  Time: 7:00PMThursday, April 1st

Location: Galena Middle School Auditorium.

The Worship Committee:   President Milan Blaho, Gloria Blaho, Judy Dixon, Shauna Hastings, Jane Holland and Mary Hill. Next regular meeting of the Worship Committee: Wed. Feb. 10, 8:30am at Midwest Medical Center.  Next rehearsal date for the cast of LLS is Feb. 11, 7:00pm at Midwest Medical Center.

6.  OUR YOUTH, The Youth are meeting every second and fourth Thursday at 6p.m., at the Midwest Medical Center. All young people and everyone who is interested in working with the youth are invited to attend. The next meeting will be February 11. Spelling Bee Champ, Will Hastings will be competing in the next round of tournament, Monday, Feb. 8, 7pm, at East Dubuque High School, 200 Park Lane. Come join the group that is going to cheer him on. Contact Mary Hill if you would like to go.  Any questions or suggestions concerning our Youth Group contact: Jane Holland, the Youth Leader or Shauna Hastings, Judy Cormack, Lori Murphy, or Jill Nack

7.  Check out our website: www.lord-of-love-galena.org.  Dave Becker has added a few new things.  If you have any suggestions, let him know. We are also on Facebook, Lord-of-Love-Lutheran-Church-Galena. And Dave has added  a few extra things there as well.  You can sign up for the Living Last Supper and see one of the sermons.   We now have 38 Fans, how many can we get by Sunday, February 7, 2010?  If you are not a fan, will you join up?  Dave has been doing a superb job keeping our Web-Sight, Facebook and Twitter up to date.  He also has been doing a great job taking pictures and video taping our services.  Thank you Dave for willingness and faithfulness in a job well done!

8. Talent Sheets by end of February!  Pick up and Turn In.  Thank all of you that has completed and turned them in.

9. We are now meeting at the Ramada, 11383 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 61036.  Adult Christian Education will be at 9am and Worship at 10am.

10.  June 18th & 19th:  It is early yet but please remember these dates.  These are the dates of the Northern Illinois Synod Annual Assembly.  It will be at Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, Illinois on FRIDAY, JUNE 18th and SATURDAY JUNE 19th.   On one of those dates we may be recognized as a “Mission Church”, as many of us as possible should be there!

Lord of Love is a Synodically Approved Worshiping Community(SAWC) of the Northern Illinois Synod(NIS), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA).  Lord of Love is a church for all believers in Christ. We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You will always be welcomed.