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From the Pastor: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised
is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day
drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25
Screen Scene/Screen Wean A prayer for Sunday Evening in my devotional books at home has captured
my attention during these weeks with the stay-at-home mandate. It says,
“Grant that the joy of worship may be steady and strong within me, even in
the days when I may not be able to go to church with my fellow Christians.”
I had always applied that to my life’s end, when I may become ill and have
limited mobility. I had never thought about the possibility of being unable to
come to church because of a public health emergency.
I am extremely grateful that we have been able to carry on our service schedule without interruption,
albeit in a new form. I thank all of those involved in this effort. Instead of gathering together in God’s
house, the pews have been empty and you have been watching the services in your house. When the
Spanish Flu pandemic struck America a century ago, this would not have been possible. But now God has
blessed us with the technology to do so. Many of you have expressed how comforting it has been to
actually see inside the church building you know and love. That “screen scene” has been a blessing.
Yet we all know that a “virtual service” is no substitute for a face-to-face one. Human beings thrive on
interpersonal relationships. We are created by God for community. None of us relishes being isolated and
cut off from others. Granted, we have so many ways of communication today, and we are grateful for all
of them, but there is nothing that matches being in another person’s presence, looking into their eyes,
hearing what they have to say, and how they say it. We are used to sharing life’s sorrows and joys with
others “in person.” If you’ve had a “virtual appointment” with your physician during this time you know
that it’s not nearly the same as being at the office and speaking with him or her directly. People have been
disappointed at not being able to attend special events which have been cancelled. But doesn’t our heart
go out, most of all, to those families who could not be with their loved ones who were in life’s final
moments? Funerals are especially a time when we long for the physical presence of family and friends.
Now we’ve had to find other ways to share grief and support those who mourn.
We gather together in God’s house first of all to be strengthened by Him. We call our assembly a Divine
Service, because God is the giver and we are the recipients. He first serves us as He instills and feeds our
faith at the altar, font, pulpit, and lectern. We never deny the power and efficacy of God’s Word in
whatever form it is communicated, yet coming to Church is a discipline of faith, which helps us focus our
attention on Him, and then share the joys of knowing Him with others. When we are in church it is much
easier to be an active participant rather than a passive observer. Present-day Americans were already
getting in a lot of “screen time” before this pandemic. When it is safe to assemble as a congregation again,
it will be wonderful to have some “screen wean” and “really” be together again. After all, we don’t have a
“virtual” Savior, but one who physically, actually, really took on flesh for us and our salvation.
In Christ,
The Illuminator The Newsletter of Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS) – Moline, IL
May 2020
The Illuminator May 2020 ___ _ Page 2
From the Vicar: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts
2:47b
Relationships Count…Now More Than Ever For our March newsletter I wrote to you about the study just recently released by the LCMS through CPH
titled Relationships Count. This study is a sobering reminder to each of us of how important community and
relationships are to each of us individually, but also to the health of the church. I certainly didn’t know at that point
what a true, and incredibly important, statement that would be for the church of 2020.
The church has always been about relationships. Of course, most
importantly, each individual’s relationship of faith to their Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. But as we look at the book of Acts, the early church was all
about the relationships formed and strengthened among believers as they
sought to live together in community, doing the things God calls us all to do.
Check out Acts 2:42-47 and you will see that the first Christians were
teaching, learning, breaking bread, supporting one another and worshipping.
And the result of all this fellowship, faith and familiarity was that “the Lord added to their number day by day those
who were being saved.”
If you know as I do “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are
called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28) then you know that there is and there will be good that comes
from our current situation. Sometimes in our isolation it is difficult to envision the good that might come from this,
but in some ways, this slowing of the pace has given us opportunities to renew, maintain and strengthen
relationships we might not otherwise have focused on. So how can we use this time to be faithful and at the same
time affect God-honoring outcomes in our lives and our church?
1. Renew, maintain and strengthen relationships with those closest to you.
On the first day of the stay at home order, Verizon reported that their call volume rivaled that of Mother’s Day.
Online meeting sites have had to beef up their capacity as virtual meetings and video calls replace in person events.
As human beings we crave interaction and will find ways to meet that need, even when we’re forced to stay at
home. Monday night Bingo over Skype with the grandparents has become a tradition in our house and I hope it
continues. I hope you are connecting too. Keep calling and video chatting. And don’t forget to say hi to your
neighbor over the back fence. You just might just be the interaction they need today.
2. Renew, maintain and strengthen your relationship with your church family.
For some the church is the place where they interact with others. For all it should be a place that feels like home. It
is where our brothers and sisters in Christ gather together to receive the gifts of God. I worry for those who do not
long for the day when we can reunite with our family within the walls of the church and receive the gifts offered
there. Until then, don’t let your relationships with your brothers and sisters wither. Give them a call. Send them an
email. Encourage them and receive the same encouragement back from them. As the very first Christians grew in
community with each other, so can we, even during this time.
3. Above all, renew, maintain and strengthen your relationship with Christ.
It may sound counterintuitive, but many have said that their relationship with Christ has strengthened during this
difficult time. As is often the case, hardship draws us closer to the One who provides for and sustains us, both
physically and spiritually. And the church all over the world has stepped up to meet the needs of its members and
those who are seeking. Recorded services, Sunday school and Bible class are great but can never replace our time
together in person. For now, they will have to do, but if there is a physical or spiritual need that is not being met, let
us know so that your church family can be a source of blessing and relief to you.
Relationships count, especially during a time where they are hard to come by. It may require some effort
but take this time to strengthen the bonds with your family, friends, neighbors, church and especially Christ.
Blessings,
The Illuminator May 2020 ___ _ Page 3
From the Youth Director/Sunday School Superintendent: “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
Greetings to all of you at Holy Cross! I sincerely miss seeing the Sunday School kids and all of the
grownups, too. One of my favorite Bible verses is the one above, “Be still and know that I am God.” I
find that I need to remind myself of that daily – it's so easy to feel that we need to be in charge, but we are
not. I really enjoy the entire 46th Psalm and highly recommend reading through that reminder that nothing
is bigger than our Father in Heaven.
News from Sunday School and Lutheran Youth
Fellowship! Before we went into the shelter in
place order to keep ourselves and our loved ones
safe, we had a practice Bible Bowl competition
with our team against some adults. Well, we’ll
call it a competition, but it wasn’t! Those kids did
wonderful, and don’t forget to tell them so when
you see them! Our team was led by Vicar Marks
and included Bella Dawson, Cali Elliot, Jonah
Marks and Max Serre.
During this time of separation, Vicar and the
entire Marks family have been recording our
Sunday School lessons in our very own classrooms and I have been sharing them with the kids through
email and our Facebook page. Because our Sunday School curriculum is mostly digital, we have been
able to keep up with our lessons! I have challenged all the kids of all ages to memorize our weekly Bible
verses for a reward when we return. And as an extra, if they can recite the entire 23rd Psalm...we will have
an ice cream sundae bar after 10:45 service!
We did not get to gather to go through the Journey to the Cross but there is a digital version on the Holy
Cross website on the Youth Events page if you are interested, and please feel free to share it.
Moving forward we will continue to provide digital learning opportunities from Concordia Publishing and
sharing coloring pages, videos, and science experiments. I’ll keep on challenging all of us to memorize
Bible verses. And, of course, we will keep on attending online church services and Sunday School.
I don’t like to end on a low note, but at this time Vacation Bible School is delayed. As we learn more, we
will keep you updated. Jesus commanded that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and part of
that is keeping each other safe however we can – we are all doing that by sheltering in place and VBS
won’t be scheduled until it can be done safely. Thanks for your understanding, and your prayers!
If you would like to be added to the email list for children’s Sunday School or be a part of our Facebook
page, please feel free to reach out to me at (309) 721-1749 or britedust@yahoo.com. And remember
amidst all of this, to “be still and know that I am God.” I know I will.
Peace and prayers to you all,
Susan Serre
The Illuminator May 2020 Page 4
How to contact Pastor Karsten: Please do not leave voice messages at church during this this continued
shelter-in-place period. You may call or text Pastor at (309) 716-2375. His email address is
wkarsten@mchsi.com. Please call, text, or email him if you would like to schedule an appointment for
private communion at church in May.
God willing, the June newsletter will contain details about the resumption of activities at church. In the
meantime, continue to watch the weekly bulletins posted on the Holy Cross web page, along with the
links to each service. Thank you for your faithful financial support of the church during this period.
Please also remember our special mission support of Rev. Mahlburg and family in Sri Lanka, Dr. & Mrs.
Dicke in Papua New Guinea, and Pastor Dominguez and the Cristo Rey congregation.
Our Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Judy Butts. Judy died on
March 6 at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington. Her funeral was at Holy Cross on
March 10, immediately prior to the stay-at-home mandate.
Our Christian sympathy is also extended to the family of Gerda Taylor. Gerda
died on March 27 at Trinity Hospital during the stay-at-home mandate. Pastor
Karsten conducted her funeral at Holy Cross on Monday of Holy Week, April 6,
while family and friends from around the country gathered in their homes and
participated via Zoom.
The Baby Bottle Drive is different this year: In honor of your
mother who chose life for you, please support the work of our
Pregnancy Resources Center. Their work never stops despite the
pandemic, and they were deprived of their largest fundraising event
of the year when the Spring Banquet was postponed. In one recent
week, for example, the Center provided 28 life-affirming pregnancy
test and 15 life-affirming Ultrasounds. In addition, the center
continues to provide emergency diapers, wipes, formula, car seats
and infant/toddler clothing. Please see the graphic to the right → to
see how you can give online. You may also, of course, mail your
contribution directly to the Center at 3825-16th St. Moline. Our Vicar #51 is Nathaniel Konkel. His wife is Hannah, and they have two
daughters, Karla (3) and Carolyn (1). Vicar Konkel is from Southgate,
Michigan, but he and Hannah taught for two years in Baltimore following their
graduation from Concordia University Wisconsin and before Vicar-elect
Konkel enrolled in the Seminary. We look forward to welcoming the Konkel
family later this summer. Vicar-elect Konkel was a member of the Seminary
Kantorei when they sang here on March 6.
The Illuminator May 2020 Page 5
PRAYER LIST
Please help to keep this list current by calling the church office when a name can be added or
removed. Weekly updates will be included in each Sunday’s bulletin.
Members in Facilities: Amber Ridge- Oneta Curless, Hope Creek- Evelyn Owens, New
Perspectives- Gordon Sellmann, Generations, RI- Arlene Fanella, Woodridge Supportive
Living, Galesburg - Dick and Jean Ristau, Marian Jones, Hospice Care at Home: George
Sukach
Serving in the Military: Camden Cripe (nephew of Sandy Bopes), J.T. Grider (cousin of Sandy
Bopes), Andrew Tolley (son of Carole Tolley), David Revel (son of Craig & Laurie Revel,
serving in Germany), Jeffrey Teuscher (nephew of Willie Swain), Leith Masri (grandson of
Marian Jones), Matthew Glider (grandson of Doris Glider), Austin Cox (grandson-in-law of Sieg
Paulsen), Paul Thorngren (nephew of Dan & Melissa Thorngren), Matthew Patterson (son-in-law
of Mike Waters, serving in Kuwait), Emilio Cantu (nephew of Jim and Kathy Cramblett).
Treatment for Cancer: Mike Green, Jerry Tutskey, Joanne Lyons (friend of Joyce Spidle), Steve
Scanlon, Orville Reynolds (nephews and niece of Russ and Gerri Stolze), Pat Champion
(daughter of Marian Jones), Anna Wilson, Dave Patterson (brother of Bev Wagner), Lynn
Soenken (brother of Jeanette Eastman), Paul Brug (cousin of Eugene Beckman), Bud Miller (son-
in-law of George Sukach), Harold Foster (brother-in-law of Bob Hellstrom), Judy Knudsen (sister
of Allen Stegemann), Hannah Clark (relative of Marilyn Noard), Jacey Moege (3-year-old
relative of Sieg Paulsen), Kristine Westmoreland, Rev. Harold Teuscher (brother of Willie
Swain), Dan Howe (brother-in-law of Tom & Sandy Morgan), Chris Pace (niece of Tom & Sandy
Morgan), Cari Kenney (friend of Tom & Sandy Morgan), John Sedberry (friend of Ann
Mangelsdorf); Kathy Sies (friend of Virginia Koontz).
Serious Health Concerns: Carl Thompson, David Kramer, Heidi Sias, Maureen DeLassus, Kelly
Teuscher (niece of Willie Swain), Marvin Hanson (uncle of Jill Safe), Tom Morgan.
Recovering/Ongoing Health Concerns: Mia (grand-daughter of Gwen & Terry Shrake), Gary
Johnson, Grant & Elizabeth Cobb, Jim Harder (brother of John & Mary Harder), Jill Safe, Gwen
Shrake, Alyssa Jones (granddaughter of Marian Jones), Fred Poe (grandson of Virginia Koontz),
Karen Techlin, Hallee & Jordan Fischer (cousins of Penny Dawson), Carol Ferrell, Kimberly
Sukach (daughter of George Sukach), Bonnie McClelland (granddaughter of George Sukach),
Dorothea Jamieson, Susan Jamieson, Joshua Duburg (cousin of Jill Safe), Sieg Paulsen, Jim
Graham, cousins of Sandy Lohse: Jim Miene, Dan & Carol Rodgers.
The Illuminator May 2020 Page 6
May Bible Reading Guide
05/01 1 Samuel 2:1-10/Titus, Philemon
05/02 Psalm 121/Hebrews 1-4
05/03 Psalm 122/Hebrews 5-7
05/04 Psalm 123/Hebrews 8-10
05/05 Psalm 124/Hebrews 11-13
05/06 Psalm 125/James 1-3
05/07 Psalm 126/James 4-5
05/08 Psalm 127/1 Peter 1-2
05/09 Psalm 128/1 Peter 3-5
05/10 Psalm 129/2 Peter
05/11 Psalm 130/1 John 1-3
05/12 Psalm 131/1 John 4-5
05/13 Psalm 132/2 John, 3 John, Jude
05/14 Psalm 133/John 1-2
05/15 Psalm 134/John 3-4
05/16 Psalm 135/John 5-6
05/17 Psalm 136/John 7-8
05/18 Psalm 137/John 9-10
05/19 Psalm 138/John 11-12
05/20 Psalm 139/John 13-14
05/21 Psalm 140/John 15-16
05/22 Psalm 141/John 17-18
05/23 Psalm 142/John 19
05/24 Psalm 143/John 20-21
05/25 Psalm 144/Acts 1-2
05/26 Psalm 145/Acts 3-4
05/27 Psalm 146/Acts 5-6
05/28 Psalm 147/Acts 7-8
05/29 Psalm 148/Acts 9-10
05/30 Psalm 149/Acts 11-12
05/31 1 Samuel 2:1-10/Acts 13-14
May Birthdays According to our records, God has blessed you with the privilege of celebrating a birthday this month.
Please inform the Holy Cross office if this information is incorrect
Beth Laughead 5/1
Renee Noard 5/1
Elena Dawson 5/3
Bev Gustafson 5/4
James Elhoffer 5/4
Sharon Rock 5/4
Milo Schmidt 5/5
John Eastman 5/5
Stanley Hasselberg 5/5
Sandra Larrison 5/5
Carolyn Reese 5/6
Andrew Paller 5/7
Todd Terrell 5/8
Isaiah Engle 5/9
Donna Tornquist 5/9
Henry Setton 5/11
Willis Lemke 5/12
Nicholas Boisvert 5/14
Corinne Pearce 5/14
Scott Ryckeghem 5/15
Laurel Gray 5/16
David Revel 5/16
Doris Glider 5/18
Hans Kretschmar 5/19
Arthur Larrison 5/20
Kevin Paller 5/21
Hope Steagall 5/21
Mark Harper 5/22
Eugene Beckman 5/25
Michael Waters 5/25
Wanda Engelkes 5/26
Marcia Green 5/29
Skye Mahlburg 5/29
Greta Marks 5/30
Have you remembered the Lord’s work in your will and estate planning?
Bible Reading
15and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
The Lord's Prayer – Conclusion
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
What does this mean?
This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in
heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this
way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means "yes, yes, it shall be so."
Hymn: Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won LSB 490
1 Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
2 Jesus lives! To Him the throne
High above all things is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.
3 Jesus lives! For me He died,
Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to Him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense;
This shall be my confidence.
4 Jesus lives! I know full well
Nothing me from Him shall sever.
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be my sure defense;
This shall be my confidence.
5 Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense:
Jesus is my confidence!
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
May 2020
Christ the King - Cristo Rey - Lutheran Church 1301-19th Street, East Moline, IL 61244
E-mail: cristorey-em@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (309) 738-6124
Rev. Pablo G. Dominguez
http://iglesialuteranacristorey.ctshost.org
MAY 2020
I have met people who like to buy cheap, older houses. These
houses need restoration; they need repairs made to damaged
walls, broken doors and broken pipes. Perhaps an older style
kitchen needs updating, or other rooms rebuilt. There may be
other minor or even major modifications needed. I have talked
with the people who have bought these cheap houses. Husband
and wife spend time, money and effort, working hard to
improve the house and fix any and all necessary things. After
weeks or months, many differences can be seen: a new kitchen,
new windows, new doors, fresh paint. The rooms look so nice
as do the other changes. The old and ugly house is now a
pleasant and pretty house in which to live. Improvements were
made correctly and tastefully.
Let’s each consider our own “house” or in other words, our lives, our hearts. How do they look?
Do you think they need “repairs?”
We need to give thanks to the Holy Spirit who comes to us when the Gospel is proclaimed and
opens our eyes. We now are able to see our own sinful nature and realize the impossibility to make
changes or “repairs” for ourselves. Good news! Jesus comes to restore our hearts. “He liberates
from evil, and He makes us worthy to be in His presence. He comes to us and keeps us away from
error. He turns us from sin to rightness, and from death to life” (Hymnal “Cantad al Senor, page
20)
What a marvelous and extraordinary restoration Jesus has made and continues to make in our lives,
right? We need to thank God “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17) Thanks be to Jesus who saved us when
he died on the cross. As He hung suffering on that cross, he was thinking of us. He paid the debt
we owe and won salvation for us. And, my friend, this salvation is a free gift He gives to us.
Praise be to our merciful Father and many thanks to Jesus for “repairing and restoring” my heart
day by day. Amen.
In Mexico Mothers’ Day is always celebrated on May 10th.
It is the most beloved and important festival of the year for
the family. It is a tradition that the children sing songs to their
mothers on this day. We call it “serenata”. A serenata
consists of songs sung in the early morning with live music.
Some hire a group of musicians with acoustic guitars. Others
employ “The Mariachi”, (The Mariachi is a group of
musicians who play traditional folk music with guitars,
trumpets, and violins). Or friends with acoustic guitars may
form a group and travel to their mothers’ houses and sing two
or three songs. Upon finishing the songs, the mother must leave the house and thank the children
personally with a hug and a kiss.
On this day, the mothers also receive gifts: flowers, hugs, kisses and a lot of love from their
children in appreciation. It is also a custom to observe festivals for the mothers in the elementary
schools, where the students carry out dance numbers, interpret some songs and perform some
recitations like poems for mothers. Mothers are so pleased when they see their children doing
something for them. In many schools the students do some
handcrafts, like a decoration for the house for their mothers.
Children give it to them on Mother’s Day, May 10.
Many families are accustomed to being together to celebrate
with their moms. They bring a special meal or some plates
while others make reservations in a restaurant. The idea is to
spend major time with their moms in order to honor them on
their special day.
A Blessed Mother’s Day to all mothers!
May God continue to bless you as you lovingly serve Him
and your family!
888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • infocenter@lcms.org | 1
`
The message and mission of the Church remains the same, especially in the face of the coronavirus. On the cross, Jesus defeated Covid-19 and His resurrection is evidence of Jesus’ victory over every virus and disease. Jesus lives, and because He lives, all who believe will be raised on the Last Day, never to face disease and death ever again. This is the hope we have. We get to share this hope with a world fearful of the future. Because Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the Father, we know that God loves us. He sends His angels to watch over us. He sends His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us by Jesus’ Word and Sacrament. This is the comfort we have from our risen Savior. We get to share this comfort with an anxious world.
Though the message and mission has not changed, day to day life and mission activities have changed. The government issued a country-wide curfew to begin on March 20th at 6 PM. Curfew means that we are not allowed to leave our homes. On Tuesday March 24th the curfew was lifted from 6 am to 2 pm. Since then, the curfew has been lifted once or twice a week except in areas considered high risk. Colombo is considered high risk. All three missionary families are confined to their homes. The government allows food and other essential items delivered or sold from trucks on the road. We all have what we need. I am keeping in contact with our church partner pastors and evangelists through phone call and social media. There is a lot of concern as so many people are out of work. I started providing a daily devotion and weekly church services through YouTube. Also, I am taking advantage of the time to work on some other projects. Please keep our Lord’s mission work and Sri Lanka in your prayers.
We rejoice that God allowed us to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord with people around the world. In reality, we do celebrate with Christians all around the world when we gather around Jesus in worship. Though we are not physically present with believers around the world, the Holy Spirit connects us together as we hear our Lord’s Word, receive His sacrament, sing His praises, and offer up our prayers and thanksgiving. We are thankful that (via YouTube) we were able to share the Easter service with the people who attend the English service at Emmanuel Colombo, many others around Sri Lanka and the world. “My Word that goes from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty.” Isaiah 55:11
To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an email message to newsletter@mahlnews.com with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject line.
SERVING THE LORD IN
SRI LANKA NEWS FROM THE MAHLBURG FAMILY April
2020
smahlburg@yahoo.com
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. Mark 15:6
He Is Risen!
Family Dates Wedding Anniversary August 11
Birthdays: Steven January 27 Martha December 11 Autumn September 13 Liberty July 15 Skye May 29 Rose March 19 Duncan July 24
Picture from one of my YouTube devotions
The last congregation Steven visited before the curfew was in
Kotagala led by Senior Evangelist Muthukumar
888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • infocenter@lcms.org | 2
The old saying, “March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb” is usually right. This March has been like no other. It certainly started normally for us, but ended somewhere in the Twilight Zone.
We started March with Skye performing in Arthur Miller’s “Enemy of the People”. It was done very differently with the audience sitting on three sides of the stage. Skye was one of the townspeople and actually sat in the audience until the town meeting when she would jump up and shout out her lines. Made us feel like a part of the play.
The middle of March saw the kids dismissed from the rest of the school term. Rose was planning a birthday party with a few friends and that got cancelled as the Covid 19 virus started ramping up in Sri Lanka. We had a nice quiet family celebration.
By the end of the month the government had put us under continuous curfew. Food is being trucked into our apartment complex. I wait in line, at least one meter from the next person, with a mask on to purchase a bag of fruit or vegetables or whatever the truck is carrying. We are doing fine but are a little stir crazy.
We look forward to curfew being over.
PLEASE PRAY FOR: • Ears to be open to the comfort
found in Christ
• Those affected by covid-19
• The unemployed
• Those under prolonged curfews
• Continued financial support for local congregations and mission work around the world
GIVE THANKS FOR: • Provision of essentials
• Provision of the most essential: God’s Word
• Support of brothers and sisters in Christ
• Use of the internet to spread God’s Word
PRAISE GOD FOR: • Jesus’ death and resurrection
• Hope in Jesus
• The many congregations and individuals who pray for us, encourage us and partner with us
CONSIDER: • Adding us to your congregation’s
mission budget as a Together in Mission partner (Call 888-930-4438 for details).
• Starting, continuing, or increasing financial support for mission work in Sri Lanka (See below).
• Having a Skype update with your congregation, Bible study, Day School, Sunday School, Women’s group, etc…
There are many opportunities to serve as short-term or GEO missionaries. Check out the current list and download an application at lcms.org/service. Click on “Service Opportunities.”
To support the LCMS through the work of Steven Mahlburg, you may send a tax-deductible gift to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
Make checks payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Mark checks “Support of Mahlburg-Sri Lanka”. Gifts can also be given securely online through the LCMS website, on my online giving page at lcms.org/Mahlburg.
Family News
Together in Jesus’ Service, Steven & Martha,
Autumn, Liberty, Skye, Rose, and Duncan
SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: stevemahlburg
Twitter: twitter.com/MahlburgMission
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/missionSriLanka
Skye as an angry towns person
Rose’s 15th birthday
Kindly consider a special gift to further support LCMS mission work in Sri Lanka. The instructions below explain how you can give this gift.
Waiting in line to purchase fruit
Martin and Marie Dicke—Missionaries Serving the Lord in Papua New Guinea
April 2020
Volume 4, Issue 7
By Martin Dicke
Watching the news of the dan-
gers, growth, and spread of the
Coronavirus gave new meaning
to the petition in the special
Litany prayer in our hymnal
asking God to protect us from
“pestilence and famine.”
Pestilence was nothing new
hundreds of years ago. 1637 was
a particularly difficult year for
the Rev. Martin Rinckart and the
people of the town of Eilenburg
in Germany (see masthead
above). He began to serve as a
pastor in the town in 1617. The
next year a war began which
lasted for three decades. During
the war many thousands of peo-
ple sought refuge within the
walls of the city. In 1637 a se-
vere plague hit the city and by
the end of the year around 8,480
people had lost their lives.
Among them was his own wife
who passed away on May 8 of
that year. By August he was the
only pastor serving in the city
and was sometimes leading fu-
nerals for 40-50 people at a time.
In the midst of this war, the
pestilence and the famine that
resulted, Rinckart wrote the
words of the famous hymn
“Now Thank We All Our God.”
It was published in a devotional
book in 1636 where it was enti-
tled “A Little Prayer Before
Meals.” Upon the loss of his
wife in the next year, the refer-
ence to mothers in the first
verse must have meant even
more to him and his children.
Below is a literal translation of
the hymn from the original Ger-
man. Even in midst of calamity
and tragedy, Rinckart heeded
Saint Paul’s admonition to “give
thanks in all circumstances; for
this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you.” (1 Thessaolnians
5:18). May God give us strength
to do the same.
Pestilence and “Now Thank We All Our God”
We send our newsletter
to those who have
signed up for it or have
contributed to our min-
istry. If you would ra-
ther not receive it or
would rather receive it
by e-mail, please write
martin.dicke@lcms.org.
Thank you for your
support and interest in
our mission work. To
help, please visit:
lcms.org/dicke
missioncentral.us/dicke
1. Now let us all thank God
with hearts, mouths, and hands,
who does great things
for us and all the ends of the earth.
Who, while we were yet in our mother's
womb and from childhood on,
has greatly blessed us
and does so to this day.
2. The eternal and bountiful God
willingly grants us during our life
an ever-cheerful heart
and noble peace
and holds us in His grace
continually
and delivers us from all affliction
no matter where we are.
3. Glory, honor, and praise be to God, to the Father and to the Son
and to the One, who is equal to both upon heaven’s throne on high –
to the triune God, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be now and forevermore.
To contact us, please write to martin.dicke@lcms.org or: Martin and Marie Dicke 8574 Quarry Ridge Ln Unit B Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 363-0275
Alternatively, you can send checks
payable to the LCMS with “PNG/
Dickes” on the Memo Line to:
LCMS Mission Advancement
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122-7226
Please support the missionary
service of Martin and Marie Dicke
with a monthly, quarterly, or year-
ly giving plan or with a one-time
gift. Visit lcms.org/dicke or call
LCMS Mission Advancement at
(888) 843-5267.
You may also visit our dear friends
at missioncentral.us/dicke or send
your gifts to:
Mission Central
40718 Highway E-16
Mapleton, IA 51034
# of Sundays 13
YTD P/W 5,705.07$ Only 2 Sundays of contributions are included in this month's
LYTD P/W 5,354.66$ YTD average
MORTGAGE BALANCE $0.00
THIS YEAR LAST YEAR PRIOR MO.
ACCOUNT BALANCES MONTH TO DATE TO DATE YTD
GENERAL FUND
Beginning Balance 72,689.26 94,175.20 119,427.65 94,175.20
Contributions/Transfers In 22,179.34 74,165.88 69,610.51 51,986.54
Interest 12.89 499.59 21.18 486.70
Total Receipts 22,192.23 74,665.47 69,631.69 52,473.24
Available Balance 109,370.43 168,840.67 189,059.34 146,648.44
Expenditures/Transfers Out 25,720.04 99,679.22 82,218.54 73,959.18
Ending Balance 69,161.45 69,161.45 106,840.80 72,689.26
ANNIVERSARY FUND
Beginning Balance 2,843.54 2,663.47 1,883.76 2,663.47
Contributions/Transfers In 160.00 1,179.50 780.00 1,019.50
Bequests and Refunds 837.96 837.96 147.50 0.00
Expenditures 974.15 1,813.58 700.75 839.43
Ending Balance 2,867.35 2,867.35 2,110.51 2,843.54
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
Beginning Balance 635.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Contributions 165.00 800.00 0.00 635.00
Expenditures 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Ending Balance 800.00 800.00 0.00 635.00
MEMORIAL FUND
Beginning Balance 58,422.17 55,017.53 154,205.11 55,017.53
Receipts/Transfers In 601.22 19,417.93 905.00 18,816.71
Expenditures/Transfers Out 0.00 15,412.07 182.55 15,412.07
Ending Balance 59,023.39 59,023.39 154,927.56 58,422.17
SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND Stamps
Beginning Balance 145.87 108.37 271.62 108.37
Receipts 31.20 68.70 134.00 68.70
Expenditures 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
Ending Balance 177.07 177.07 205.62 177.07
SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND/ VBS SUPPLIES
Beginning Balance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Receipts 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Expenditures 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Ending Balance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
BENEVOLENCE FUND
Beginning Balance 6,439.37 6,169.37 4,929.35 6,169.37
Receipts 51.00 321.00 512.00 321.00
Expenditures 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00
Ending Balance 6,490.37 6,490.37 5,431.35 6,490.37
MISSIONS FUND
Beginning Balance (441.00) 7,342.50 1,380.00 7,342.50
Receipts-Mahlburg, Cristo Rey,Dicke ey, Dicke, SriLanka 980.00 1,830.00 3,640.00 850.00
Expenditures-Rev Mahlburg 0.00 1,310.00 0.00 1,310.00
Expenditures-Dr. Dicke 0.00 1,868.50 0.00 1,868.50
Expenditures-Cristo Rey 0.00 1,200.00 500.00 1,200.00
Expenditures-Sri Lanka Xmas 0.00 4,255.00 0.00 4,255.00
Ending Balance 539.00 539.00 4,520.00 (441.00)
TOTAL FUND BALANCES 139,058.63 139,058.63 269,852.42 140,816.41
Beginning cash 150,908.24
Months deposits 24,936.41
Months checks & fees 27,107.42 total fund balance 139,058.63
Ending cash 148,737.23 accts payable 2,720.00
141,778.63
Bank balance 148,737.23
Outstanding deposits 0.00
Outstanding checks 6,958.60$ Note: 2730.00 accrued Adjusted bank balance 141,778.63$ to date included in A/P
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Accountant's Report March 2020
Thank you for your support!
Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Moline, IL May 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
3 4th Sunday of Easter
Pray for the members and
friends of Holy Cross, and the
resumption of corporate
worship
4
Pray for Rev.
Mahlburg, Dr. Dicke,
Pastor Dominguez,
and all missionaries
and their families
5
Pray for our Circuit
and District
congregations; their
pastors and people
6
Pray for our Synod and
its leaders: President
Harrison, VP Lange,
Secretary Sias
7
Pray for the faculty,
staff, and students of
our seminaries and
church colleges
1 St. Philip and St.
James, Apostles
Pray for patience
8 Pray for Vicar
Marks and family
2
Pray for peace
9 Pray for Vicar-
elect Konkel and
family
10 5th Sunday of Easter
Mother’s Day
Pray for all mothers
11
Thank God for the
lives of those mothers
who now rest in His
presence
12
Pray for those who
desire children, but
have none
13
Pray for Pregnancy
Resource Centers and an
end to abortion
14
Pray for adoption
agencies and those
seeking to adopt
15
Pray for marriages
and families in
conflict
16
Pray for children
and grandchildren
who have wandered
away from the faith
176th Sunday of Easter
Pray for an end to the
coronavirus pandemic
18
Pray for doctors and
nurses
19
Pray for aides,
therapists, and
medical support staff
20
Pray for scientists
searching for a vaccine
21 The Ascension of
Our Lord
Pray for the comfort of
Christ’s continual
presence
22
Pray for senior
care facilities, all
residents and staff
23
Pray for nursing
home residents and
staff
24 7th Sunday of Easter
Pray for leaders in
government at every level:
federal, state, and local
25 Memorial Day
Pray for the families
of those who gave
their lives in military
service
26
Pray for active duty
military service
personnel
27
Pray for law
enforcement officers,
firefighters and first
responders
28
Pray for farmers,
ranchers, and all those
involved in bringing
food to our table
29
Pray for those
without work
30
Pray for the
countless people
who by their
vocations serve our
daily needs
31 Pentecost
Pray for Emily and Cassidy,
and all those who will profess
their faith through the rite of
Confirmation
Since our calendar of regularly-scheduled
activities is empty, let us fill it with special,
fervent petitions in this most unusual time.
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