April Middendorf needs our help!

April Middendorf is one of our new members, and her son Jason is in first grade at our school. Due to circumstances beyond her control, April is in need of our assistance. If you have boys clothes for Jason (size 10 pants and M shirts) or Tristan (size 5 pants and shirts) that you are able to hand down, would you please drop them off at the church office. April could also use some clothes, and her sizes are 7-8 pants and M-S shirts. Additionally, if you have extra boxes or large storage containers, she is in need of these as she is going to have to store many of their things while they live with her parents. Most importantly, keep April and the boys in your prayers.

Kristie Wessel Hospitalized

Kristie was hospitalized yesterday because of a high fever that she was running even while on antibiotics for a sinus infection. The doctors are playing it safe and making sure that there is nothing else going on. So far, the tests have come back clean, but they will run some more tests today, and then possibly discharge her. Please continue to uphold her in your prayers!

Pray for Rick Morphew's Dad

Rick's dad is having surgery today to remove a growth from one of his lymph nodes. Please pray that the doctors will be able to remove it successfully without having to open his chest completely.

Continue to pray for Melisa Carothers

Melisa Carothers posted this on Facebook, but for those who haven't seen it, I have re-posted it below:

Update on my HEART!

By Melisa Carothers

Just wanted to give everyone an update...  I feel like I have been an emotional roller coaster, but have definitely taken comfort in the kind words you all have posted. Thank you very much :) As of right now I will be going back to Mayo Clinic in July. I don't have an exact date yet, but should within the next month. Since being home I have talked to the Dr. several times and he has talked to the surgeon. They have come to the conclusion that if they can hold off on an operation they want to do so. In other words they have concerns about the risks of an operation. An operation has not been ruled out, but they do want more information before proceeding with one.  In July I will go back to have a repeat of all the tests that I had done last week, plus an MRI and the EP study that is needed to determine if I need to have a defibulator put in. I will be seen by the surgeon as well just to discuss everything and see how we will proceed with everything. Their biggest concern is the fact that this will be open heart #4, which would make a total of 6 heart surgeries for me. I am still trying to wrap my head around everything and taking it one day at a time. I have also put it in the Lords hands because he is the only one that knows what’s best for me. As far as you all here on FB, I’m looking to you for support. This is like an outlet for me and its nice to be able to share my feelings and concerns with you all. The next few months are probably going to weigh on me heavily, but I refuse to let all of it get the best of me. I am keeping my head up and remaining strong. The one thing I would like to ask from everyone is that you keep me in your prayers. Prayer is a powerful thing and right now I will take all of them that I can get :) Thanks Melisa

Stewardship

We are loved, forgiven, and saved by the grace of God in Christ.

So, now what?
Are we obligated to God to show our thanks for that gift by giving money to the church?  Does He demand our money, our time, and our very lives, so that we can prove to Him how grateful we are?

Perhaps our God is more generous than we imagine.
Be blessed by Sunday's sermon on stewardship.



God loves a cheerful giver!
Lord, grant us childlike joy as we give from our abundance!

March 20 Announcements

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO Travis Wiley and his son, Austin, as they are baptized after this morning’s service.

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional books for April-June are available in the narthex today.

THE LENTEN SEASON continues this Wednesday at 7 PM with our third midweek service. Pastor Cook will be preaching on “Perpetual Backsliding.” The Youth will be serving a chili/baked potato supper, with Ladies Aid providing desserts, before the service, beginning at 5:45 PM.

APRIL CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS should be submitted to Becky by TOMORROW.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Derek & Brandi Hoene on the birth of their son, BEAU ALLEN, on Thursday, March 10. Beau arrived weighing 6 lbs. 4 ozs. and measuring 20 inches. Everyone is doing fine. God’s blessings to them!

“THANK-YOU to all for the prayers, cards, flowers, and other acts of kindness at the passing of my mother, Donna Dummer. The support of my White Creek family was a great comfort to me!” - Jan Buss & Family

“MANY THANKS to the congregation for their prayers, visits, and encouraging words, not only during this time of Mabel’s passing, but throughout her illness and to the Ladies Aid and everyone who donated food for the funeral lunch. A special thanks to Pastor Cook for his many visits to Mabel and for his comforting words to us. The love and support from all of you have been a true blessing to our family!” - Gary, Bob & Karen Burbrink & family

THE QUILT that Ladies Aid donated to Trinity Lutheran High School’s auction this year raised $800. With Thrivent’s matching funds, a total of $1066 was raised for the Ladies Aid tuition assistance program. Special thanks to Linda Reedy for piecing the quilt.

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: In this economy, good planning is essential to good stewardship. That’s why Lakeview Ministries, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and financial consultants Aaronn Lanteigne and Scott Poore, are combining to present a free information seminar that will address investing and charitable giving within the current economic climate. This event will take place on Sunday, April 10, from 4:00-6:00 PM in the Walnut Room at Immanuel Church, Seymour. Refreshments will be served after the program. RSVP to Tom Franke at 812-342-4815.

Please Pray

Please continue to keep Melisa Carothers in your prayers. After being seen at Mayo Clinic this past week it has been determined that one (and possibly two) of her heart valves needs to be replaced. As of right now, it looks like that surgery will be scheduled sometime in July. Pray that God would continue to sustain Melisa and her family and give them His strength during this difficult time.