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. | |
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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 29
Light evening lunch at 6 PM.
Wednesday mid-week service 7 PM
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Worship Link to live streaming
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 - 7 PM
Wednesday Mid-week service
Sunday, April 2, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Palm Sunday
Paraments color: Purple
Scripture Readings for Sunday
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14--27:66
* “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 fourth gift of discipleship, the fourth promise that sponsors and parents make for those who are being baptized to help them to “serve all people following the example of Jesus” and how that promise helps us say “yes” to God on our journey of faith.
We pondered challenges we might have with serving, “all people.” We talked about the ways that we feel called to serve others in our daily lives, ways we enjoy serving others at Hutto Lutheran Church, and ideas of new ways to serve the community.
How about you? How do you feel called to serve in your daily life?
Tonight we will explore the fifth and last gift of discipleship – “strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” We will also have a chance to provide feedback to the transition team about areas of strength for the congregation in discipleship and possible areas for growth that the congregation can ask for support for in the Ministry Site Profile.
At the beginning of this Lenten journey we talked about imaging that we are like those early Christians, discovering God anew on our journey towards Easter. As we conclude this exploration of gifts of discipleship from our baptismal liturgy, tonight during worship we will also have an opportunity to affirm our baptisms, to be reminded of God’s yes to us and to commit anew to this journey of discipleship.
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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Palm Sunday:
Worship 10:30 AM: Meet in front of the church for blessing of the palms and processing into church.
Maundy Thursday: Seven of our youth will be receiving communion at our 7:00pm service.
Good Friday: In addition to our 7:00pm service in Hutto you are welcome to join Gethsemane Lutheran church (200 West Anderson Lane) for their 11:00am Stations of the Cross worship service.
Easter Sunday
Breakfast: 7:30 - 10 AM
Easter Egg Hunt: 9:30 AM behind the office.
10:00am Flowering of the Cross *bring flowers to put in a cross
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Palm Sunday
Join us on April 2nd. We will gather outside the front of the church building for a blessing of the palm branches and process into the sanctuary during the opening hymn.
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Midweek Discipleship Lenten Worship Series
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 "Strive for justice and peace in all the earth"
*Sign up in Narthex to help with a meal
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Cemetery Work Day, Memorial Tree Planting and Egg Hunt
Join us this Saturday, the 1st from 8:00am-Noon 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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This Saturday, Feeding the 5,000
Beginning at 9 AM with eggs, biscuits and sausages. To go packages will be handed out with the Food Pantry Saturday.
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Church Directory Update: Updated church directories are available for pick up in the Narthex. | | |
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Calling all Musicians!
Bell choir will be practicing this Sunday at 9:30am and will be performing during Palm Sunday Worship. 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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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. Registration open through March 31st.
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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 31, 10 AM at Baked n' Sconed
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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 on the picture to the left 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.
Discerning God's Future
One final congregational listening opportunity called "Discerning God's Future" will take place during regular worship on April 23rd and at conversations during potluck.
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 Hunt will take place 9:30am Easter Sunday April 9th. Invite a friend. All are welcome!
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Small Group Ministry Survey
Small group ministries provide opportunities for us to “live among God’s faithful people” on our journeys of faith. Are you involved in small group ministry? If not, would you like to be? We would love your thoughts of existing ministries that you are grateful for or new ideas for ministries at HLC. Pick up a copy of the survey in the Narthex or email pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org for a copy.
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WELCA Conference
All women welcome! For more information about registration contact Barbie Johnson: lizzeyajohnson@gmail.com
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Coming Events
April 14-16, 2023 Spring Congregational retreat at Camp Chrysalis
June 26- June 30, 2023 Vacation Bible school from 6-8 pm. Dinner 5-6 pm.
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
Did you know that the gazebo at Hutto Lutheran Cemetery was dedicated on February 25, 2007, after an extensive fundraising campaign headed by Everett Davis? Everett was determined to see this project through and worked with the congregation as well as the children of Pastor Peterson to honor their father and mother with a memorial plaque in recognition of their contributions to Hutto Lutheran Church including financial support. Everett passed away in November 2006, just 3 months before the dedication. He was there in spirit, and his grave is located just east of the gazebo.
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OWL's Schedule
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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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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Save the Date VBS
Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! June 26 through June 30th from 6-8 pm. Dinner 5-6 pm. Want to help lead? Contact lesprecher@icloud.com. Know someone who would like to participate in VBS? Registration will kick of May 1st and be open through June 11th.
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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.
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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, the family of Lynne James, Victoria Huerta's cousin's family.
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
Meg Jameson
Altar Guild
Rodney Westphal
Cantor
Rey Segura
Lector
Roland Hernandez
Assisting Minister
Kirtus Kolar
Communion Assistant
Becky Zimmerman
Children's Message
Sunday School
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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Anniversaries
31 Bobby & Karin Stern
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Birthdays
02 John Campbell
04 Pat Hayden
11 Brandon Sladek
18 Megan Blackmon
19 Helmer Dahl
23 Madelynn Johnson
24 Kristy Armstrong
24 Mary Regan
29 Dotty Davis
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Anniversaries
05 Brandt & Julie Rydell
07 Steve & Gulf Walters
12 Michael & Anna Meacham
19 Jeff & Cathy Svoboda
21 Brandon & Lauren Johnson
24 Michael & Catherine Regan
29 Eddie & Pat Hayden
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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
Wednesday Mid-week, March 22
Worship Service, March 26
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