Dear People of Creator,

The earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have brought death and destruction that ~ unless we have experienced something similar ~ we can only imagine. Though we know about plates and faults that exist under the surface of the earth, when a natural disaster such as an earthquake occurs, we struggle to face the death and destruction that results.

Though there is much that we are unable to understand, we cling to our faith, convinced that God is present. And a means by which God is present in real time and space is through the people who offer aid and care for those who are suffering. Though we are unable to be physically present, our church offers several ways that we can assist financially in being the presence of God to those in need and those caring for them. We can be confident that all three of the following ministries of our church serve as God's emissaries:

Click on Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger
for more ways to help.

In Christian partnership,
Pastor Steve Carlson

REFUGIA FAITH AND CLIMATE CHANGE

This is the theme for our 40 days of Lent 2023 at Creator beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. "Refugia" refers to survival through a period of unfavorable conditions. How do we survive through the climate changes in our atmosphere, our society, and our church?

In addition to Sunday worship during Lent you are invited and encouraged to gather each Wednesday evening (beginning Ash Wednesday) for soup and bread supper and informal worship around our "refugia" theme. Soup and bread will be served between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Remaining at tables in the Fellowship hall, worship will begin at 6:15 and conclude by 7:00.

A "Zoom" option to participate online will be offered. You'll also have opportunity to contribute to a freewill offering to cover the costs of soup and bread. Worship on Ash Wednesday will include the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.

WHO WAS SAINT VALENTINE?

Legend has it that he was a Catholic priest and doctor who became famous for performing secret weddings during a time when Emperor Claudius II had outlawd new marriages for young men. (Claudius thought unmarried men made better soldiers.) Upon discovery, Valentine was sent to jail, where he befriended his jailer, and his jailer's blind daughter, Julia. Emperor Claudius offered to pardon Valentine and set him free if Valentine would renounce his Christian faith and agree to worship the Roman gods. Valentine's refusal led to a death sentence. Before he was killed, Valentine wrote a last note to Julia which is said to have cured her blindness. He signed the note: "From your Valentine."

SUNDAY MORNING CLASS

An opportunity will be offered on the Sundays in Lent to gather before worship at 9:00 a.m. to explore a resource entitled "Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism As a Way of Life" by Daniel Erlander.

Facilitated by Pastor Steve, the intent of these gatherings is to offer insight of teachings of the Lutheran church along with opportunity for questions and discussion. All are welcome ~ long-time Lutherans as well as those who would like to explore joining the Lutheran church. The first gathering will be on Sunday, February 26th..