News & Notes
Concerning Sanctification and New Obedience: “The Holy Spirit, who is given and received not through the law but through the proclamation of the gospel (Gal. 3:2,14) renews the heart. Therefore, the Holy Spirit uses the law to instruct the reborn and to show and demonstrate to them in the Ten Commandments what is the ‘acceptable will of God’ (Rom. 12:2) and in which good works, ‘which God prepared beforehand,’ they are ‘supposed to walk’ (Eph. 2:10).” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Art. VI: Concerning the Third Use of the Law. Book of Concord, Kolb/Wenger ed. Augsburg: Minn, 2000. pg. 589.11,12)
Special Voters Meeting: On Sunday, January 25 at 1145 a.m. immediately following the Divine Service, voters are asked to stay for a brief meeting called for the purpose of completing elections of congregational officers.
Red and Blue 2026: Planning for Central Nebraska Lutheran School’s (GILH and TLS) “Red & Blue Gala and Auction” is well underway! We are currently seeking sponsorships and donation items for the live and silent auctions. Please feel free to reach out to Shalee Peters or you can contact the school directly and visit with Brad Keasling if you have interest in sponsorships or donations. Tickets are also now available for purchase and more information can be found at www.cnlutheran.org or grab a flyer in the narthex. Thanks!”
Adult Instruction: Another “Life With God” class designed primarily for those interested in becoming members of Zion, or who simply want to learn more about what the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations believe, teach, and confess, will start again soon. (January?) Pastor would be happy to share more information with those who may have questions.
Joyfest: Lady Knights Clothed By The King Featuring WendySue Fluegge will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in GI on January 31, 2026. This event is hosted by their LWML, Women In Mission. Doors open at 8:30 am. Event begins at 9 am. Fellowship, Brunch, Worship, Fashion. It is a free event. Please register for them to have ample brunch food. www.peacegi.org/joyfest
Garrison Greetings and Update: Please see the narthex cubicle for holiday greetings and a family update from Rev. Jacob and Abigail (Niemeier) Garrison of Superior, NE.
Gratitude:
- I want to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers given when I and Taytum were in the apartment fire. I also want to thank everyone that helped us with donations and clothes and toys for Taytum. We really are very thankful for such good friends and family and our church family. We are so lucky for everything everyone has done for us.
~ Daisey Larsen Panter and Tayutm
- Mary and I want to thank everyone for everything everyone has done to help Daisey and Taytum. God bless you all.
~Mary Mai and Susan Larsen
Sanctity of Human Life: “Our task is to make sure that our fellow Lutherans and our neighbors know how much God loves us just as we are. Look at this fingerprint: God made each of us unique. There is no one else just like you. God knew you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5). He knitted you together in your mother’s womb. You were fearfully and wonderfully made, and God had a plan for your life even before you took a breath in this sinful, beautiful world that He created for you (Psalm 139:13-16).” Diane Albers, President of Lutherans For Life – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
Life Continues On: As Good Shepherd Jesus walks with His sheep through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). His presence does certainly does comfort us. Yet, the process of saying “goodbye” to loved ones is a challenge, sometimes especially so during the holiday season. A LWML devotional entitled “Life Continues On” available in the narthex is written to provide hope and encouragement for those who grieve. Feel free to peruse, to take and read, and to share as you may find helpful. (Note: You will notice that our own Marilyn Bader has authored one of the devotions! Glory to God in Christ.)
Congregational Offerings: It has been reported that offerings during summer and through the fall are not keeping pace with budgetary obligations. Would you therefore commit this matter to your prayers, and consider making a gift to help meet our commitments? Through your sacrificial offerings, we are able to bring the gospel of Jesus to our church members, neighbors, and throughout the world. Thank you! “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Your Lifeline to the Lutheran Worldview: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent subjects include: How to Resist the Devil, The Importance of Family Meals, Critical Theory on the Right, Why Marriage 101 Should Be a Required College Course and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.
Prayer Requests
Healing, Recovery, Strength: Marie Glause son, Terry; Marilyn Bader (broken ankle, surgery recovery); Andy Glause (cancer); Susan Willman (eyes, testing); Rev. Micah Wildauer’s wife, Robin (cancer) and his father, Charley (stroke); Dick Spiehs niece, Diane (cancer); Bobby Larsen’s sisters, Jodie (heart surgery) and Jannie (cancer)
Global Conflict: as tensions mount in Middle East (Iran), prayer for peace from Prince of Peace
Family: Praying for families desiring children, for children carried by mom in the womb, and for those families looking to adopt
World Peace: Tensions in Middle East (Israel/Iran; attacks on Rev. Nabil Nour family and friends at Haifa, Israel)
Military: Kurt Morthole; Joseph Markvicka
Missions, Outreach, and Christian Education: Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools/Grand Island Lutheran High; Lutheran Church of Nigeria and Lutheran Bible Translator projects; Global missions—Japan; NE Dist.—Bethlehem Lutheran, Ravenna, NE; Concordia, Seward and all our Concordias; Concordia Theological Sem., Ft. Wayne and Concordia Sem., St. Louis
This week’s memory verse:
(1 John 2:2)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Welcome to Zion Lutheran Worms! 