Dear First Lutheran Community,

It has been a true joy, privilege, and blessing for Drew and me to become part of First Lutheran. We’re deeply grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received and look forward to getting to know each of you more in the days ahead. I’m also excited for the journey we’ll share as we build upon the strong foundation already in place and explore new ways to respond together to God’s call.

Spring is in full swing, and summer is coming! In Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary, the Gospel readings during June, July, and August primarily draw from the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing themes such as Jesus’ healing power, teachings on discipleship, and the inclusivity of God’s kingdom.

June:

• Early June: The readings highlight Jesus’ authority over illness and death, showcasing his compassion through miracles like raising the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17).
• Mid to Late June: Focus shifts to the cost and nature of discipleship. Passages include Jesus’ interactions that underscore commitment, such as his responses to potential followers about the sacrifices involved in following him (Luke 9:57-62).

July:

• Early July: Emphasis is on mission and outreach, with Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples, instructing them on proclaiming the kingdom and demonstrating its nearness through acts of healing (Luke 10:1-11).
• Mid-July: Teachings center on love and service, exemplified by the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which challenges social boundaries and calls for compassionate action (Luke 10:25-37).
• Late July: Themes of prayer and persistence emerge, as seen in Jesus teaching the Lord’s Prayer and encouraging persistent prayer through the Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:1-13).

August:

• Early August: Jesus addresses issues of wealth and priorities, warning against greed and emphasizing trust in God’s provision, illustrated by the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21).
• Mid-August: Teachings focus on readiness and faithfulness, urging vigilance and preparedness for the coming of God’s kingdom (Luke 12:32-40).
• Late August: Jesus challenges social norms and highlights humility, as seen in his teachings on choosing places of honor and hosting gatherings that include the marginalized (Luke 14:1, 7-14).

Throughout these months, the Gospel readings in Year C invite reflection on living out one’s faith through compassion, service, and a deep commitment to the values of God’s kingdom.

I’m excited for us to dive into these themes together and figure out how we can take the next faithful steps in living out our faith as a community.

In Christ,

Pastor Amy

Psalms 119:105 tells us “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”.

Grace and peace to the people of God. It is always good to allow the word of God to light our pathway. The bible says the word is good, and indeed He is good.

Well, we have weathered the snow and ice and extremely cold temperatures, and the best is yet to come. It became so cold for me until I was asking people did they have the phone number to call up “summer” (lol). Nevertheless, this is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in them all.

At this time our country is going through some difficult days and some tumultuous times. I admonish you to hear the words of God from 2 Chronicles 7:14,

¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We desperately need God to heal our land. This nation that was built on the foundation and principles of God has gone astray and forsaken Him. Therefore, those of you that know the words of prayer, PRAY! Matthew chapter 24 tells us of the things to happen before Christ returns. Let us be watchful, prayerful and hopeful for our God to convince the people to change. Change their way of thinking, change their way of living and change their hearts to love one another. We are told in Luke 6:31,

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” We must treat people (all people) the way we want to be treated and the way we want our family members to be treated.

People of God it is past time to beseech God to turn things around in this country. It seems there is no regard for God or His Word. Men seem to be like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah and in the days of Noah, just doing whatever they desire in their hearts. This makes me want to cry out to the Lord and say “COME LORD JESUS”. We have the destruction from the fires, the floods, the snow falling in places that never saw snow before, in addition to men, women and children been apprehended without a cause and held as captives. Let us plead for God to show His hand by having Love and compassion toward ALL people. It makes my heart hurt to know people are afraid to go to work and school and even walk the streets for fear of being wrongly detained. So again I admonish you to Pray for the peace in this country and around the world. Now I say unto you;

Numbers 6:24-26
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

In His Service,

The Reverend Marjorie McDaniel

From The Pastor’s Desk

HAPPY NEW YEAR! What a mighty God we serve. God has brought us into another blessed year. Some of us went through a few rough days and others not so rough. So, we are declaring that this new year will bring us prosperity, divine health, love and a mighty move of God in our lives. Let us take inventory today of all the negativity we need to shed and all the positivity we need to embrace. Therefore, EVERY DAY, let us speak life into all that we do, in Jesus Name.

Not knowing what tomorrow brings, let us remember what God acknowledged us to do:

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We need God to heal our land. There is so much wickedness, unnecessary killings and satan is running rampant in the world. As children of God, we have direct access to His throne, to petition God to restore us in every area of our lives. Know this, little prayer, little power, Much Prayer, Much Power. May God grant you all that you need for the coming year.

In His Service,
Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

From the Pastor’s Desk                                 

Well fall is officially here and it’s my favorite time of the year and my favorite kind of weather 😊.

This is the time of year we begin to remember all the happenings and challenges we’ve gone through.  Let us cling to the things that got us through this year, whether good, bad or indifferent.  God has been our help, a very present help no matter what our situations.

We are nearing the time when we remember and celebrate not only thanksgiving but the birth of our Lord Jesus the Christ.  As we focus on these things let us pray for those without a family or place to enjoy these holidays.  Let us pray for the families who have lost loved ones this year, asking God to comfort their hearts.  And as we prepare to share gifts with our families let us adopt a family that may be struggling from day to day.

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of this season keep you from attending church, praying or reading your bible.  If you are able to be in person for worship, please do so.  I’m told that to watch from a distance is like looking at a warm fireplace via zoom; you see the flames, but you don’t feel the heat.  So let us come together and enjoy each other’s fellowship and feel the heat 😊.

Finally, God has blessed me to see another wonderful and blessed year of my birth.  I’m thankful, grateful and pleased with the years.  It is my desire to do the will of my Father until…  I was asked how long I intended to work in this ministry, my reply is until God says SO.  In other words, I don’t have a date or year or decade in mind (lol). I LOVE what I do, and I serve from my heart.

However, keep my family and I in your prayers as I pray for you and yours.

Remember GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME and ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD.

Until next time, In His Service,

Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

Greetings people of God and may His blessings find you today.

Well school is back in session, and we declare peace and safety to all the children.  The children here at First Lutheran had a busy summer thanks to the family and youth department.  So, a big THANK YOU to Christi Tam and her team. You all did a fantastic job and I’m sure the children and parents appreciated your diligent and genuine ministry for the Youth and Family outings.

Sunday school has restarted and there are lots of exciting things planned for each grade level.  You don’t want to miss anything that is going on so be sure to attend and bring your children and grandchildren to learn more about God and how we may serve Him.

The Racial Justice Task Force, of which I am a part, will be hosting a session on “A courageous conversation on racism” here at the church, Saturday, September 21^st at 10am with registration beginning at 9:30am.  There will be a continental breakfast, box lunches and refreshments.  This is free and open to the public; however, you must register by calling the church at 812-372-1256 or emailing ltrautman@flccolumbus.org.  We are expecting community leaders and the guest presenter will be the Rev. Rich Gianzero, Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran church, Madison, Indiana who has more than 20 years’ experience working in Racial Justice Education.

I would like to take this time to say THANK YOU for allowing me to serve as your Pastor.  My experiences here and the love you share far out weights the drive in from Cincinnati 😊.

May you continue to grow in the Love and Grace of God.

Until next time,

In His Service,

Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

Grace and peace to the people of God.  It is good for us to be here. 

This summer has been extremely busy for everyone.  Lots of vacationing, lots of rain and plenty of heat, but the bible says, “all is well”. 

We will soon be getting ready for back to school and prayer for our children.

Christi and her team have kept the youth busy this summer and we thank you so much.  Our youth will definitely have a foundation to stand on when they become older and go out into the world.  Again, thanks to the entire youth and family team.

The Wednesday bible class is going strong.  I encourage you to take time out of your day to join us at noon every Wednesday and we identify Christ in the Old Testament.

Revelation 2:25 tells us…

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

So we are encouraged to lock on to our faith until Jesus comes to gather His church because he is coming back to get his church and we are the church.  Let us hold on tight to our faith.

Until next time may the Lord God bless you and your families.

In His Service,

Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

Well, it’s “Summertime” (almost). School is out, vacations begin, and we sort of kick back, relax and enjoy the weather. However recently some of our adjoining neighbors in the connecting states have endured some horrific weather conditions that have caused some unbelievable conditions. Some lost their lives, some suffered damages to their homes and communities. Let us pray for their restoration in Jesus’ name.

Our church families have lost some loved ones to death and others are battling illnesses requiring hospital stays. Let us pray for strength for their families and loved ones.

Shortly our synod will elect a new Bishop, let us pray that God will put the best person in position to lead and support the “Church” going forward, in the right direction. The church needs a leader that is not only qualified but spiritual enough to seek God for divine directions. With that said, I will be out the week of June 7th to the 9th attending the Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky and Rev. Lynn Sullivan, a competent and well gifted minister will preach on June the 9th. I know you will give her your love and support as you have given me.

Finally, let us be safe this summer. Let us continue to read our bibles and study the word of God. Also, I will be teaching a six-week summer mid-day bible class on Wednesdays at noon, beginning July 17th to August 21st. We will study on “identifying Christ in the Old Testament”. So come out with your questions, your ideas and your input. Let us see Christ in the beginning.

Our thought for today is:
2 Corinthians 4:5
⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Until next time, be safe, be peaceful, be blessed.

In His Service,
Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
We are so privileged to be servants of the Most High God.
We are so privileged to be covered in the blood of Jesus.
As we go forward let us look up because Christ is risen.
We don’t have to hold our heads down, but we can do what
Psalms 24:7-10
7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up ye
everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye
everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King
of glory. Selah.
Jesus gave up the ghost so that we might live, therefore LIFT
UP YOUR HEADS.
We have many activities coming up in the near future here at
First Lutheran that will keep us busy, which is a good thing, so
we will roll up our sleeves and do our part.
Thank you for allowing me to serve another year as your
interim Pastor. It is a pleasure serving at First Lutheran. I
thank you for your continued love and support.

I yet encourage you to spend some time in prayer and
reading your bible and continue to look up and be blessed.
I intend to take a couple of weeks off for a brief vacation, to
regroup and spend some with family.
The thought I share with you again is Psalms 24, Lift up your
heads.
Grace and Peace to you all.
In His Service,
Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

The presence of the LORD is here; I feel him in the atmosphere!

Grace and peace to the people of God.  “This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it”, (psalm 118:24)

Well, we’ve come out of winter (I think 😊) and going into spring and looking forward to the summer.  Nevertheless, “this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes” (psalm 118:23).

God has been good to us, and we are glad.

I thank God for your continued service to Him.  This congregation is like no other I’ve ever served.  Your faithfulness is to be applauded and celebrated.

My desire is that you will keep up the “Good Works”.   There is always some sort of fellowship going on among the members.  The men’s meetings, the women’s gatherings and of course there is most definitely things going on for our youth, thanks Christi.   I’m looking forward to the women’s prayer brunch on May 11^th.  I’m looking forward to seeing all the women of First Lutheran coming together to uplift and support one another.

There is one area of ministry that has tugged at my heart and that is the ministry of Evangelism.  Christ has commissioned us to go out into the hedges and highways and compel people to come into the service.  I’ve been talking with the head of the Evangelism team, and we are planning some great things to expand and enhance this ministry.  We will be calling upon some of you for support and I am sure you will be more than willing to do what you can.  So, look out for God’s kingdom to be increased and souls coming to Him for salvation.

As we go forward into the heart of this year, let us make it a priority to uplift the name of Jesus in everything we do.  He gives us strength and health and peace of mind.  The least we can do is tell people about our God.

Finally, I encourage you to pray and ask God to send in the lost sheep and the good shepherd He would have to serve here at First Lutheran. Time is winding up and Christ is soon to return.  Let us be about our Father’s business.

Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

Until next time,

Pastor Marjorie McDaniel

Journey with us to Calvary.  This is the title of my series for the next four weeks leading up to the Resurrection.  We will walk with Jesus all the way to Golgotha.   Perhaps you never envisioned his journey, his pain and his suffering.  Perhaps you have not envisioned his mother at the foot of the cross, weeping for her son, perhaps you have not imagined what it was like for the disciples to see, who they knew to be the Christ, mistreated, abused and eventually crucified on the cross for you.  But when we take time to walk with him we will be able even the more to understand why this happened.  All this happened for you, for you to see God’s grace and mercy for a sinful world.  And it is so.

In addition, during this season of Lent let us reflect on everything we need to ask God to deliver us out of and everything not like Him that we need to be purged of.  Let us reflect on Psalm 51 in its entirety and see how David acknowledged his sin, repented but had to suffer the consequences.  Yet he understood God’s punishment and did not fault God.

Going forward, there are a lot of activities coming up here at First Lutheran.  This congregation is always busy, either with the children, the men and of course the women.  So please be mindful of everything and as I used to hear in my home church, “govern yourselves accordingly” 😊.

Peace and blessings to you all and your families and my this season of Lent cause us ALL to reflect, repent and rejoice.

In His Service

Pastor Marjorie McDaniel