Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

        and cleanse me from my sin!

                                                                                    Psalm 51:1-2 (ESV)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,                                                                             March 2022

Greetings to you in the name of our gracious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

We have entered the season of Lent as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter Sunday on April 17, 2022. This season of Lent, we focus on two areas of our lives. On the Saturday/Sunday services, we are looking at the Characters of a Disciple, considering what scripture says we should see in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. On Wednesday nights, for our Lenten Dinner and Service, we are looking at the Mercies of God in our lives. The Saturday/Sunday focus will end on Easter Celebration Service with The Character of a Disciple: Victory. I hope you can come to one of our weekend services and join us for dinner and then the service afterward on Wednesday nights throughout the Lenten Season.

To help connect and communicate the things going on at First Lutheran, we have launched a Facebook Page. If you have a Facebook account, you can search for First Lutheran Church – Kirkland IL. We recommend to “Like” the page and also to “Follow” so you can see posts that are made to the page. We will also post our services on the Events on Facebook that can be shared on your Facebook Profile. You can also friend me on Facebook; search for “RevThomas Deuane Thorstad,” my profile will come up. As well as my wife, Pr. Deuane, “Vongdeuane Deuane.”

Looking ahead, I am thinking through what bible studies can be offered to the church and community. I will be conducting a survey to understand the time available better and focus areas of classes and bible study. They will be made available through a link or on paper on Saturday/Sunday Morning. When it is ready, we will announce it. If you have any initial thoughts, you can also email me or text me.

Again, if any pastoral visitations needs, please reach out to me to set up a time or visit.

May God be with you all this season of Lent.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Tom