The Voice February 2021 The Lord of the Church Provides for His People The Lord Jesus instructs his followers to “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers” to car- ry on the work of the reign, or kingdom, of God. The members of Hanover Lutheran Church enter into an exciting time, as the congregation prepares to receive a gift from the Good Shepherd. He has heard the prayers of his disciples, and Jesus has provided the answer “Yes” to your request for a pastor. This change is also a time that can cause questions to arise. Such questions are not uncommon for the members of a parish family when receiving a new “under shepherd.” “Will then incoming pastor be someone with whom I can talk? Will his voice be right for me to understand him? (I don’t always hear so well, you know.) What things might change in our con- gregation?” Some of these questions will be answered immediately, once a person meets the new pastor, or hears him preach that first sermon. Other matters will take more time to become clear (or at least clearer). Then there are the other kinds of questions, just as important for congregational members to ask and to answer. “How can I help the new pastor to get to know us better? What is God asking me to do to sup- port my (new) pastor? How can I be sure to keep our congregation focused on what God’s Word teaches? How can we help each other hear what the (new) pastor says may need to be changed?” The truth is simple. Most change is challenging for us as human beings. We get comfortable with our routines. Change can cause us to confront the possibility we have been wrong, or have done something in a way that was not best. And as sinful, often self-centered persons we do not like that idea. God tells us there is a way that may seem right, but if it is not from God and based on God’s Word, that way will cause harm. God desires us to receive good and blessing from him, and so the Lord of the Church provides gifts for his people. He does not abandon us, but sends us a pastor to guide the “sheep of His hand” into “green pastures.” God knows we need a new heart, and a renewed mind. God sends us Jesus as our savior and as our righteousness. The Holy Spirit continues to renew us through the proclaiming of our for- giveness (in worship services and individually) and through the gifts of holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. And these gifts as distributed in the Church through a man; your pastor. This is an exciting time for Hanover Lutheran Church. God is once again showing you love and forgiveness is His first priority for you. He has granted your prayer to send you a shepherd. Praise be to God! A monthly publication of Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Page 2 The Voice of Hanover February 2021 Page 3 Board of Ed News Interested in sharing God’s Word with the youth of the congregation? The Board of Education will be hosting a short informational meeting about Sunday School. Opportunities to serve include teaching the Littles (age 1-4), the Middles (age 4-4th grade) and the 5th-8th grade class. Sunday, February 14, at 11:30 am in the Activity Center. Youth Group News Hello everyone. 2021 is off to a fast paced start as we begin planning for the new year. We have started discussing the book of Ecclesiastes in class as well as coming up with new ideas, events, and ser- vice projects. On Feb. 28th after the late service, we will be cleaning up the old church and grounds. We invite all who would like to participate to join us. In March, we will start again with game night in the ac- tivity center. More information will be coming so watch the bulletins. Thanks, Mike and Liz Ladies Aid News In celebration of Hanover Lutheran Church’s 175th Anniversary, the Ladies Aid has published a commemo- rative cookbook. This collection of recipes are from past and present members of Hanover Lutheran Church. Books are $12.50 and are available by contacting a Ladies Aid member or the church office at 573-335-8583. Page 4 The Voice of Hanover Those Serving in February Ushers 7:45 am 10:15 am Captain: Larry Miller, 450-1784 Lynn Petzoldt, 270-9854 Dave Heuer, 334-1419 Chris Jansen, 339-1000 Junior Sinn, 382-1949 Scott Renner, 243-3434 Shannon Sinn, 651-0658 Jim Green, 258-0119 Tom Hadler, 837-7263 Ben Meyr, 275-6604 Mike Hahn, 579-3523 Mike Schaefer, 225-7306 Altar Guild Julie Vangilder, 334-6703 Julie Connell, 579-2380 Jill Hadler, 275-0615 Beth Langston, 576-1225 Giving for January Memorials Given in January Count from January 13, 2021 In loving memory of: General Fund $ 10,310.00 Designated $ 310.00 Building Fund $ 315.00 David Roth Old Church Fund $ 25.00 Ruby Moore Darlene Bonney Count from January 27, 2021 General Fund $11,018.00 Designated $ 435.00 Building Fund $ 1120.00 Old Church Fund $ 50..00 February 2021 Page 5 Mindy Jenkins 2/1 Julie Vangilder 2/15 Declan Stevens 2/2 Randy Arbuckle 2/16 Zach Lewis 2/3 Edda Wittich 2/16 Max Wooldridge 2/3 Jan Koenig 2/18 Erica Smith 2/5 Lincoln Miller 2/18 Nona Abernathy 2/6 Jennifer Davis 2/19 Cammi Boren 2/6 Bruce Schmidt 2/19 Karen Mangels 2/7 Charlene Hahn 2/20 Ashley Carter 2/8 Ian Petzoldt 2/20 Julie Aufdenberg 2/9 Grace Goodpasture 2/21 Kim Kelley 2/9 Scott Vangilder 2/22 Ayda Kiplinger 2/9 Ramona Keller 2/24 Steve Ramey 2/10 Dustin Koerber 2/24 Woody Woodruff 2/11 Tara Morgan 2/25 Susan Vincel 2/12 Casey Petzoldt 2/25 Katie Goodpasture 2/15 Shirley Stoll 2/25 Shawn & Jennifer Davis 2/1 James & Juliann Sechrest 2/16 Jim & Vicki Frank 2/17 Scott & Christie Renner 2/24 Page 6 The Voice of Hanover History of Valentine's Day Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of Valentine’s Day, from the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England. The Legend of St. Valentine The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that Feb- ruary has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, con- tains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and contin- ued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius or- dered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Ro- man prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popu- lar saints in England and France. February 2021 February 2021 Hanover Lutheran Church Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 6:00pm Elders Meet- ing 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7:45am Worship 6:00pm Church 9a-12p PEO Meeting- 10: 00am Bible Study 9:00am SS/Bible Study Council meeting room 3:30pm Confirmation 10:15am Worship 4:45pm Finance Board 2:00pm Installation of Rev. 6:00pm Handbells Benkendorf 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7:45am Communion 10: 00am Bible Study NEWSLETTER 9:00am SS/Bible Study 3:30pm Confirmation DEADLINE 10:15am Communion 6:00pm Handbells ASH WEDNESDAY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:45am Worship 10: 00am Bible Study 9:00am SS/Bible Study 3:30pm Confirmation 10:15am Worship 4:45pm Finance Board 6:00pm Handbells CHECK FILTERS & ER light batteries- TRUSTEES 28 7:45am Communion 9:00am SS/Bible Study 10:15am Communion Page 7 Hanover Lutheran Church 2949 Perryville Road Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 Phone: 573-335-8583 Website: www.hanoverlutheran.com Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED The Voice of Hanover of Voice The 8 Page .