News and Announcements are published on Friday of each week.

The Second Sunday in Lent

Readings: Genesis 17:1-7. 15-16, Romans 5:1-11, Mark 8:27-38

Hymns: 708, 837

By the Cross of Our Lord Jesus, We Inherit Life Everlasting with God

In His covenant with Abraham, the Lord promised to be with him, to bless him and to make him “the father of a multitude of nations.” It is “an everlasting covenant” in Christ Jesus, the seed of Abraham who is blameless before God Almighty. All who believe in this Lord Jesus are the offspring of Abraham and are blessed “throughout their generations” (Gen. 17:1–7), because the Christ has suffered many things. He was rejected and killed, and after three days He rose again (Mark 8:31). To comprehend this theology of the cross, we must set our minds “on the things of God,” and not “on the things of man” (Mark 8:33). “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Therefore, having been “reconciled to God by the death of his Son,” much more “shall we be saved by his life” (Rom. 5:10). Baptized into His cross and resurrection, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and by faith we rejoice in the hope of His glory (Rom. 5:1–2).

Witness

Worship Dates and Times

Four Divine Services are offered each weekend to ease numbers and increase participation of all. The same liturgy will be used in each service but eliminating the singing in the service for those at risk. Please register to attend any service using Signup Genius.

Saturday at 10:00 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham specifically for those in any at-risk category.

Saturday at 5:00 pm is an in-person Divine Service in Sanford.

Sunday at 8:00 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham.

Sunday at 10:15 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham. This service will be broadcast live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page and posted for later viewing on Redeemer’s You Tube Channel.

Wednesday at 7:00 am is an in-person Matins and live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page.

Wednesday at 7:00 pm is an in-person Vespers and live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page.

Home Services with Holy Communion or special services at church are available by appointment for shut-ins and those in high-risk categories. Contact Pastor to discuss what special precautions are needed or for your appointment.

Individual Confession and Absolution will be available at scheduled times on Wednesdays in Lent (7:45-8:30 am, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, 6:00-6:45 pm). Other times can be scheduled upon request. A format for confession can be found on page 292 of Lutheran Service Book. If you arrive and someone is already kneeling at the chancel, please wait in the narthex for your turn.

Bible Study: The Wednesday evening Bible study on Romans will resume after Easter on April 7, 2021.

Lenten Devotions: While we are not following a particular theme for Lent this year, our midweek services will focus upon the penitential Psalms (51, 6, 38, 102, 130, and 143). As such, you can find a reading plan here taking us through the Psalms in Lent. As an alternative, you can subscribe to a daily email or text message from Ambassadors of Reconciliation with a devotional reading.

Sunday School: We continue "Puppets and Prayer", a 13-week Virtual Sunday School program. Sunday School will be from 9:15 AM to 9:45 AM each Sunday. While the children are welcome to attend in person, we understand that with social distancing and the ongoing prevalence of the virus that may not be possible. So the children will have the option of attending remotely via Zoom. We would be thrilled if you let us know you can join us! Please RSVP to jhutchns@gmail.com so we can include you on the weekly communications and the Zoom invitations.

No-Fear On-line Missions: Are you interested in dipping your toe into the mission field?  Another opportunity to serve as an On-line English Conversation Partner is coming soon.  Apply by March 21 to spend one hour a week for six weeks with a foreign student who wants to practice their English.  Sessions begin in mid-April.  By participating we’ll be supporting the full-time missionaries by augmenting the work they do in person in the field.  We will be given guidance for our conversations.  Be brave and step out in faith!  No doubt we will be blessed to be a blessing!  

Evangelism Note: Someone recently asked me, “What is evangelism?”  Although I don’t have a dictionary definition memorized, to me, it’s simply sharing my faith in a natural way.  Does sharing your faith seem anything but "natural"?  In conversations, I don’t hold back from sharing a Biblical illustration of a problem, situation, or joyful experience.  I don’t force my beliefs on anyone.  I don’t quote scripture in an accusatory way.  I simply speak of life in the way I think of it…in relation to Law and Gospel.  

Mercy

Gorham Food Pantry Update - Our friend Heather Whitaker, at present is feeding at least 110 families in Gorham. Much of the food is coming from the Gorham food Pantry and they are soliciting direct cash donations. If anyone would like to support them you can make a donation at their website www.gorhamfiveforfood.org. 

Orphan Grain Train New England is collecting a shipment of needed items for the economically depressed communities of Appalachian in Kentucky. While iems are being collected in the Terryville, CT warehouse, it would be most practical for us in Maine to make monetary donations. A $750 match is available for food supplies. Mail your check to OGT-New England Branch, c/o 400 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01109.

If you need anything (rides, supplies, medicine pickups) or any assistance please feel free to contact Sandy or Tom DiPasqua at 207-883-2730 or tjdipasqua@aol.com.

Life Together

Easter Flowers.  Sign up for Easter Flowers either on the signup sheet at church or by emailing Brenda at Brenda8198@gmail.com.  Choose from Easter Lilies, Daffodils, and Tulips.   Please sign up by Wednesday, March 24.  Cost is $10 each.  You can place your payment in the offering plate or mail it to the church.  Please state "Easter Flowers" on your check.

The year-end contribution statements are ready for distribution.  There are three ways to receive your statement: via e-mail, your church mailbox, or by US postal. Please contact George Flaherty at flaherty8128@yahoo.com and let him know your preference.

Newsletter Deadline – If you wish to contribute to the April church newsletter, please email your submission to the church office by March 22.

Stewardship Note: Mark 8:32 – “And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” Anytime we sin we are acting like Peter: thinking we know better than the Lord. But as Jesus says, such acts stem from Satan. So let us repent: let us trust our Lord Jesus and follow Him. For certainly He has earned our trust with His gracious sacrifice for us.

Life Thought in the Church Year for February 28 – What “rejoicing” (Romans 5:3) can we do when abuse, abandonment, and poverty complicate pregnancy? What “hope” (Romans 5:4) can we have when terminal illness takes a loved one’s faculties, functions, and future? Just this: Through Jesus, God takes up our crosses (Mark 8:34) that we may live under His—and live immediately, abundantly, and eternally (Mark 8:35).

All announcements and prayer requests received in the church office by end of day on Wednesday will appear in print that week in Friday’s email. If there is an announcement that you would like Pastor to make following Sunday’s FB live stream, please email him that information. 

Calendar

Looking Forward to the Third Sunday in Lent

Readings: Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, John 2:13-25

Hymns: 824, 850

The Third Sunday in Lent

Readings: Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, John 2:13-25

Hymns: 824, 850

The Crucified and Risen Body of Jesus Is the True Temple of the Lord

The Lord rescues His people, Israel, “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex. 20:2) and makes His gracious covenant with them, defined by the Ten Commandments. Since He has become their God by His grace, they shall be His people, having “no other gods” before Him (Ex. 20:3). He is “jealous” for them as a husband for his wife and as a father for his children. He has named them with His name and called them to rest in Him (Ex. 20:5–9). The incarnate Son, Christ Jesus, is likewise jealous for His Father’s house, because it is to be a place of divine grace and Sabbath rest for His people, and not “a house of trade” (John 2:16–17). His zeal consumes Him as He gives up “the temple of his body” to the destruction of the cross, but in three days He raises it up again to be the true temple forever (John 2:17–21). By His crucifixion He cleanses the entire household, and in His resurrection He becomes “wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).

Witness

Worship Dates and Times

Four Divine Services are offered each weekend to ease numbers and increase participation of all. The same liturgy will be used in each service but eliminating the singing in the service for those at risk. Please register to attend any service using Signup Genius.

Saturday at 10:00 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham specifically for those in any at-risk category.

Saturday at 5:00 pm is an in-person Divine Service in Sanford.

Sunday at 8:00 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham.

Sunday at 10:15 am is an in-person Divine Service in Gorham. This service will be broadcast live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page and posted for later viewing on Redeemer’s You Tube Channel.

Wednesday at 7:00 am is an in-person Matins and live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page.

Wednesday at 7:00 pm is an in-person Vespers and live on Redeemer’s Facebook Page.

Home Services with Holy Communion or special services at church are available by appointment for shut-ins and those in high-risk categories. Contact Pastor to discuss what special precautions are needed or for your appointment.

Individual Confession and Absolution will be available at scheduled times on Wednesdays in Lent (7:45-8:30 am, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, 6:00-6:45 pm). Other times can be scheduled upon request. A format for confession can be found on page 292 of Lutheran Service Book. If you arrive and someone is already kneeling at the chancel, please wait in the narthex for your turn.

Bible Study: The Wednesday evening Bible study on Romans will resume after Easter on April 7, 2021.

Lenten Devotions: While we are not following a particular theme for Lent this year, our midweek services will focus upon the penitential Psalms (51, 6, 38, 102, 130, and 143). As such, you can find a reading plan here taking us through the Psalms in Lent. As an alternative, you can subscribe to a daily email or text message from Ambassadors of Reconciliation with a devotional reading.

Sunday School: We continue "Puppets and Prayer", a 13-week Virtual Sunday School program. Sunday School will be from 9:15 AM to 9:45 AM each Sunday. While the children are welcome to attend in person, we understand that with social distancing and the ongoing prevalence of the virus that may not be possible. So the children will have the option of attending remotely via Zoom. We would be thrilled if you let us know you can join us! Please RSVP to jhutchns@gmail.com so we can include you on the weekly communications and the Zoom invitations.

No-Fear On-line Missions: Are you interested in dipping your toe into the mission field?  Another opportunity to serve as an On-line English Conversation Partner is coming soon.  Apply by March 21 to spend one hour a week for six weeks with a foreign student who wants to practice their English.  Sessions begin in mid-April.  By participating we’ll be supporting the full-time missionaries by augmenting the work they do in person in the field.  We will be given guidance for our conversations.  Be brave and step out in faith!  No doubt we will be blessed to be a blessing!  

Evangelism Note: Someone recently asked me, “What is evangelism?”  Although I don’t have a dictionary definition memorized, to me, it’s simply sharing my faith in a natural way.  Does sharing your faith seem anything but "natural"?  In conversations, I don’t hold back from sharing a Biblical illustration of a problem, situation, or joyful experience.  I don’t force my beliefs on anyone.  I don’t quote scripture in an accusatory way.  I simply speak of life in the way I think of it…in relation to Law and Gospel.  

Mercy

Gorham Food Pantry Update - Our friend Heather Whitaker, at present is feeding at least 110 families in Gorham. Much of the food is coming from the Gorham food Pantry and they are soliciting direct cash donations. If anyone would like to support them you can make a donation at their website www.gorhamfiveforfood.org. 

Orphan Grain Train New England is collecting a shipment of needed items for the economically depressed communities of Appalachian in Kentucky. While items are being collected in the Terryville, CT warehouse, it would be most practical for us in Maine to make monetary donations. A $750 match is available for food supplies. Make your check to OGT-New England Branch, designate “Kentucky” in the memo, and mail to OGT-New England Branch, c/o 400 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01109.

If you need anything (rides, supplies, medicine pickups) or any assistance please feel free to contact Sandy or Tom DiPasqua at 207-883-2730 or tjdipasqua@aol.com.

Life Together

Easter Flowers.  Sign up for Easter Flowers either on the signup sheet at church or by emailing Brenda at Brenda8198@gmail.com.  Choose from Easter Lilies, Daffodils, and Tulips.   Please sign up by Wednesday, March 24.  Cost is $10 each.  You can place your payment in the offering plate or mail it to the church.  Please state "Easter Flowers" on your check.

Newsletter Deadline – If you wish to contribute to the April church newsletter, please email your submission to the church office by March 22.

The Beacon is the Lutheran Women’s Mission League of the New England District newsletter. The Winter/Spring issue is available at this LINK for you to read.

A Moblie Lutheran Bible Study… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  This week’s teachings include: The Hymn “God Loved the World So That He Gave,” The Building of the Temple, Responding to Calvinist Proof Texts, Old Testament Judge Samson and more.  You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.

Stewardship Note: John 2:16 – “And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." The Lord’s House is not a place to sell, but a place to receive and a place to give. It’s not a place for our schemes and plans. Instead the Church is a place for the Lord’s gracious giving and our faithful sacrifices in response.

Life Thought in the Church Year for March 7 – Abortion occupies an entire business industry. Assisted suicide is driven by financial considerations. And Jesus objects to nothing more strongly than making life and death a matter of commerce (John 2:15-16). He sacrificed Himself instead (John 2:19) so that “you shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Why? Because Almighty God chose the lowly for His own (1 Corinthians 1:28-30)—unborn, aged, impaired, even you and me.

All announcements and prayer requests received in the church office by end of day on Wednesday will appear in print that week in Friday’s email. If there is an announcement that you would like Pastor to make following Sunday’s FB live stream, please email him that information. 

Calendar

Looking Forward to the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21

Hymns: 571, 543