News & Notes
Concerning Sanctification and New Obedience:“But since believers are not completely renewed in this world, but the old Adam clings to them even to the grave, there also remains in them the struggle between the spirit and the flesh. Therefore they delight indeed in God’s Law according to the inner man, but the law in their members struggles against the law in their mind; hence they are never without the Law, and nevertheless are not under, but in the Law, and live and walk in the Law of the Lord, and yet do nothing from constraint of the Law.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Art. VI: Concerning the Third Use of the Law. Source:https://bookofconcord.org/solid-declaration/third-use-of-the-law/#sd-vi-0018. )
Servant Leaders: Newly elected leaders installed Sunday morning: Tim Morthole (Elder-2 year to fill vacancy), Courtney Leth (Financial Secretary), Trevor Norman (Trustee); Jon Simonson (Usher); Auditor Terry Brown. Re-elected and installed: Kraig Niemoth (Elder); Courtney Leth Christmas Committee. We also thank outgoing officers for their faithful service as their term of service comes to an end. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine.” (Romans 12:6-9)
Grand Island Lutheran High:
- 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!”
- Monthly Newsletter: If you or someone you know would like to receive the monthly newsletter from Grand Island Lutheran High, please email the school office at hsoffice@cnlutheran.org or call 308-385-3900.
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.
Grief Share: Jesus promises to be with His sheep who walk “through the valley of the shadow of death.” (Psalm 23:4) Trinity Lutheran in Grand Island offers hope to those who grieve in the form of a support group that meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A new session starts February 19th. See the flier on the informational cubicle for more information or call Trinity’s office at 308-382-0753.
Stewardship Sentences: “And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.” (Matthew 20:9) Behold the generosity of God! He gives out of His grace, not what we deserve to receive. Living a godly life means living in imitation of God — and surely one of the foundations of God’s being is His generosity. (LCMS Stewardship Ministry lcms.org)
Sanctity of Human Life: Join statewide pro-life groups and leaders from the Tri-Cities area for a panel discussion on pro-life news and bills in Nebraska over snacks and sips. This event is free and open to the public. Hosted by South Central Nebraska Right to life, Grand Island Right to Life. February 14, 2026 at the Riverside Golf Club from 9AM-11AM.
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)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son Series: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen to a series of interviews with Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author of the new book “Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son” at issuesetc.org/prodigalson.
Prayer Requests
Healing, Recovery, Strength: Mariah Reyner and baby (pregnancy); 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) +Military+ Kurt Morthole; Joseph Markvicka
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
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—Hong Kong; NE Dist.—Grace Lutheran, Sumner, NE; Concordia, Seward and all our Concordias; Concordia Theological Sem., Ft. Wayne and Concordia Sem., St. Louis
This week’s memory verse:
(2 Timothy 2:13)
If we are faithless, He remains faithful — for He cannot deny Himself.
Welcome to Zion Lutheran Worms! 