The Swan – February 2026

Jerusalem Lutheran Church

February is filled with worship, fellowship, and opportunities to serve. Below is everything happening this month at Jerusalem.

Featured Events

Souper Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 8

Wear your favorite team jersey to church!

Our young people will be collecting donations after worship to support Manna House Ministries. For every $1 donated, 10 pounds of food can be purchased. Thank you for helping us serve our community.

Kick Off Sunday Bible Study

Begins Sunday, February 8
9:45–10:30 AM | Fellowship Hall

Pastor Barb will lead a four-week Lenten Bible study titled A Glorious Whisper, focused on learning how to hear God’s still, small voice.

Coffee and conversation begin at 9:45 AM, followed by study until 10:30.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Tuesday, February 17 | 6:30 PM

Come join the fun and fellowship as we gather for this joyful tradition before Lent begins.

Ash Wednesday Worship

Wednesday, February 18 | 7:00 PM
With imposition of ashes.

Soup & Sandwich Wednesdays

Beginning February 25
6:15 PM – Soup & Sandwich
7:00 PM – Worship

Free will offerings will go to the Social Ministry Committee to help others in our community.

Meal sponsors:

Feb 25 – Special Events
March 4 – Finance/Stewardship
March 11 – Property
March 18 – Social Ministry
March 25 – Evangelism

From Pastor Barb

Under the Sign of the Cross

I have a simple wooden cross that I wear around my neck on a piece of black twine. Painted on it is a tiny, smiling Jesus with arms raised in blessing. It is not a crucifix — the Jesus on my cross is alive, victorious over death. But before the resurrection, there was the cross.

I have collected many crosses over the years. They hang on my walls, stand on my desk, and rest on windowsills. My jewelry box is full of crosses of different shapes and colors, one for each season of the Church year. In worship, I make the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of the service. I live under the sign of the cross.

Yet the crosses that adorn my life are never more meaningful than during Lent — the season when we follow Jesus on His long journey to the cross. We remember that what now symbolizes hope once represented suffering and death. We remember and grieve our part in why Jesus ended up there. And we give thanks for the forgiveness spoken from that very cross:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

It is good to set aside time to remember the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for us. Because He died and was raised again, we too are promised eternal life.

“Pick up your cross and follow me,” Jesus said.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us:

“To go one’s way under the sign of the cross is not misery and desperation, but peace and refreshment for the soul. It’s the highest joy… Under his yoke we are certain of his nearness and communion.”
— The Cost of Discipleship

May the cross you bear be a source of renewed blessing as you journey through Lent.

In Christ,
Pastor Barb

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24

In Our Prayers

Members

Chip Lingle
Dianne Exley
Ed Lee
Fletcher Waldhour
Isabelle Shearouse
Johnnie Jordan
Marty & Dave Hendrix
Patrick, Margaret, Andrew & Juliette Wheble
Virginia Spano

Serving in the military, law enforcement, and emergency response:
Christopher Zeigler, Jack Thain, Kyle McCord, Morgan Milbrandt, Patrick Wheble, Thomas Smith.

Please contact Sandy if someone should be added or removed from the list.

Stewardship Corner

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10

We are saved by grace — not by deeds. Yet we are called to administer that grace to others through our gifts. While not all of us can perform heroic acts on a global scale, we can smile, greet, visit, volunteer, sing, serve, and lead. At Jerusalem, there are many ways to faithfully administer God’s grace.

Live generously, my friends.

Ministry Updates

WELCA

Beginning February 12 at 1:00 PM, the ladies will begin a Bible study titled Living a Chocolate Life: A Study on God’s Sweet Grace. All women of the church are invited to join in fellowship, learning, and fun.

Evangelism Committee

The Wade Davis Concert saw 103 Eventbrite registrations and even more in attendance. Thank you to all who helped make it a success. Plans are underway for an Antique Car Show and future community events. Share, share, share on social media!

Property Committee

Work continues on plans to refurbish the amphitheater.

Worship & Music

Choir and Bells are always welcoming new participants. Lent planning is underway, including Wednesday worship themes and meal coordination.

Vacation Bible School

June 1–5
This year’s theme: Rainforest Falls
More information and registration coming soon.

Social Ministry

Holiday outreach provided gifts for children in need. Plans are underway to celebrate birthdays for young men at the Treutlen House.

February Birthdays

Colt Pilcher – 2/4
Heather Morgan – 2/6
Mindy Brown Gentry – 2/12
Giovanni Montero – 2/12
Marie Coleman – 2/15
Sally Johnson – 2/17
Marty Hendrix – 2/19
Margaret Wheble – 2/21
Angie Gnann – 2/22
Virginia Spano – 2/23

February Anniversaries

Kelinda & Christopher Cobb – 2/16

February Volunteers

Lector – Chip Lingle
Communion Prep – Chuck & Kristy Holmes
Lock Up – Nate Lucero

Greeters:

Feb 1 – Chuck Holmes
Feb 8 – Sherry Dalton
Feb 15 – Sherry Dalton
Feb 22 – Mary Filipowski

Support Jerusalem Online

Please continue supporting Jerusalem’s ministries while you are away.

Give online here:
https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWM0

If you need assistance, contact a member of the Stewardship Committee or the church office.

Downloads

February 2026 Swan.pdf

The Swan: February 2026