Heritage Herald – March 2026 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
The Way of the Cross: More Than a Road in Jerusalem
Each year, countless pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa— the Way of Sorrows—in the Old City of Jerusalem. This sacred route commemorates the steps our Lord took from His condemnation at Pilate’s judgment hall to the site of His crucifixion at Golgotha, outside the city gates. The stones, the narrow streets, the Stations of the Cross—all invite reflection on the physical and emotional suffering of Jesus in His final hours.
Yet the biblical witness reveals something even deeper: the way to the cross did not begin on that Friday morning. It began long before the cobblestones of Jerusalem felt the weight of Jesus’ wounded body. The road to Calvary was not merely a path through a city—it was the very trajectory of Christ’s life.
The Via Dolorosa traces Jesus’ final walk through Jerusalem to Golgotha- the place of his brutal execution. It focuses our hearts on:
- His unjust condemnation
- The weight of the crossbeam
- The falls beneath its burden
- The sorrow of onlookers
- The agony of crucifixion
This commemorated path is solemn, intentional, and deeply moving. It reminds us that redemption was not theoretical—it was real and historical. Blood was shed. Breath was labored. Pain was real. And yet, if we look closely at Scripture, we see that Jesus had been walking toward that cross from the very beginning.
The road to the cross began with the Incarnation. The journey did not begin in Jerusalem—it began in Bethlehem. When the eternal Son took on flesh, He stepped onto the road of suffering. The humility of the manger already pointed toward the humiliation of the cross. The rough wood of the cradle foreshadowed the roughhewn wood of the cross.
From His birth, opposition surrounded Him. A jealous king sought His life. His family fled as refugees. The shadow of the cross stretched across His childhood.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly foretold His suffering. In places like Caesarea Philippi, He spoke plainly to His disciples about His coming death. While crowds sought miracles, He spoke of sacrifice.
Every healing, every confrontation with religious leaders, every act of obedience to the Father moved Him closer to Jerusalem. Scripture says He “set His face” toward the city—a deliberate, unwavering commitment to the Father’s will.
Unlike modern pilgrims who choose to walk the Via Dolorosa for a day, Jesus chose the cross daily. His obedience was not a momentary act of courage but a lifetime of surrender. The Cross Was the Purpose, Not the Tragedy.
For those who walk the Via Dolorosa today, it is an act of remembrance. But for Jesus, the road was not symbolic—it was Divine sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. The cross was not an unfortunate end to a promising mission. It was the mission. At Golgotha, what seemed like defeat was divine victory. The sorrow of the “Way of Sorrows” was, in truth, the way of redemption.
Comparing the Two Roads
| Via Dolorosa | Christ’s Lifelong Way |
| A physical path in Jerusalem | A lifelong path of obedience |
| Walked in hours | Walked in decades |
| Remembered through devotion | Lived through incarnation and submission |
| Marked by visible suffering | Marked by both hidden and visible suffering |
| Commemorated by pilgrims | Chosen freely by the Savior |
The Via Dolorosa allows us to retrace steps. But Christ’s true journey calls us to something deeper: transformation.
Our Own Way of the Cross
The way of the cross is also the way of Christian life. Jesus once said that anyone who would follow Him must take up their cross daily. The Christian life is not merely about remembering His suffering—it is about participating in His pattern of surrender. The Via Dolorosa can move our emotions. But Christ’s lifelong obedience calls for our devotion.
The road in Jerusalem reminds us of His sacrifice. His lifelong journey reminds us of His love. One is a sacred street. The other is a Savior’s steady, unwavering “yes” to the Father—from manger to ministry to Golgotha.
If you ever walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, let it remind you that the cross was not a sudden detour in Jesus’ story. It was the destination written into His mission from the beginning. The famed “Way of Sorrows” is powerful. But the greater wonder is this: Long before the stones of Jerusalem bore His footsteps, love had already set Him on the road.
-Pastor K.J. Anderson
Council Update –
Inreach
- Heritage InReach Board completed a successful SuperBowl Chili Cook-Off. Around 80 members were in attendance and enjoyed fellowship and fun sporting games.
- The chili cook-off co-champions were Pastor Anderson and Kurt Arehart.
- The winner of the SuperBowl square board was Hannah Anderson and the winner of the Prop Game challenge was Klaudia Calhoun after a tie breaker with Evan Anderson.
- The chili cook-off was enjoyed by all, and we plan to have another similar event next year.
Spiritual Oversight
- Membership changes: Pastor asked to approve a peaceful release for Shirley Schwanz. Ginny Voigt has transferred to Salem WELS in Woodbury. Motion by Pastor and seconded by Tim L.
- Pastoral activities: Visit shut-ins monthly if not more. Russ and Terry/Richard Tonak/Darlene L/Mel Schwanz/Sara Owens/Elizabeth Schmidt/Dave K.
- Lent starts February 18.
- Communion Schedule
- 2/14 – Tim
- 2/15 – Steve
- 2/18 – Josh
- Review of the stipends for the organists, choir director/s, Guest Preachers – Steve to look further into this. Perhaps speak with Phil/Kevin H.
School Board
- Summer enrollment is up to 14 registered
- School enrollment in January and looks pretty good so far.
- Mrs Lehne has 10 students / Mrs Kiecker’s class is almost full / Mrs Henricks is half full
Outreach
- I spoke with Brad Kerkow and will be getting the congregation started on the “Everybody Outreach” program. The synod covers up to $1000 per congregation, but it usually costs less than that.
Properties
- Parking lot lights have been fixed
- Issue with 1 parking lot light / driver is bad and expensive to replace
- Hot water heaters have been flushed, and Katie said it made a difference in the dishwasher. Hopefully that fixed it and we don’t need to get a new one
- Leaks in sprinkler system are being repaired (air compressor keeps running)
- Gym closet fob reader is installed
Treasurer
- Mortgage options have been presented to the council and the recommendation is to stay with Vermillion.
Chairman
- From the security committee: Alex has a recommendation to purchase a “room divider” for hallway security.
- Wiring has been run for cameras and installation is planned.
- Property insurance has been renewed with Church Mutual.
TLC/Office
- TLC:
- The Bazaar netted over $6,000. TLC has $5,000 in a CD.
- Lenten suppers are being planned.
- Office:
- The VBS theme has been determined. Planning has begun. There is no date set yet.
- The annual Synod report has been filed.
Fiesta Night
Fiesta night will be hosted by the youth group on Sunday, March 22nd at 5pm. This is a wonderful night of awesome food, fellowship and lots of fun! Fiesta Night also serves as a fundraiser for the youth group to help offset the cost of attending the annual LYA Youth Gathering in July.
School & Church Security
The security of our building and grounds is very important. Here are a few points that need your attention:
1) Council has appointed Alex Hanson as Security Consultant: Alex has great expertise in this area and is leading us through a security assessment and in developing a security plan for both the church and the school. We’ve already identified a few items that we can take immediate action on.
Time & Talent Survey
The Church Council has updated the Time & Talent Survey. They are asking that all members take a moment to click on the Heritage Time and Talent Survey 2025 and fill out the simple Google form.
If you haven’t taken the Time & Talent Survey yet, we will have an electronic version (tablet) circulating during fellowship time for the next few Sundays. Please plan to take a few minutes to fill it out. Thanks!
Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Women’s Bible Study.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Class meets on Thursdays at 9 am.
Are You A Thrivent Member
Are you a Thrivent Member? Did you know that Thrivent has 2 ways to benefit Heritage? First is the Choice Dollar program. This is a simple program that throughout the year you can Direct Choice Dollars to your chosen non-profit. The Second is through Thrivent Action Teams. You sign up to “lead” a group of volunteers for an educational event, fundraiser, community service or fellowship project. Thrivent will provide $250 seed money to use for expenses incurred. Fiesta Night, Synod Youth Lock-in, Math & Science Night, VBS, Game Night, School Field Trips & Roller Skates rental are just some of the ways Heritage has already benefitted throughout the years. For more information you can log on to your account, both programs are under the Generosity tab across the top.
Heritage Choir
Member Directory
Click to view the Heritage Picture Directory 2025 (1) If you have a family photo that you would like us to use, please submit it to the office.
Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church
Thank You from Sara Owens
Members Helping Members
TLC – The Ladies’ Connection
The Ladies’ Connection will meet on Saturday, March 14th at 9:30 a.m.
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
March is often referred to a month of change. Meteorologists refer to its as a transition month as we have big swings in temperature and weather as we move from winter into spring. Change also impacts us all as children quickly grow into teens and then adults and adults grow old. Our world if full of change in medicine, politics and internet options – some good and some questionable I personally am in the process of a change of downsizing in preparation to move. In doing so I have gone through a lot of pictures and other things I have held on to for some time. Most of the things I have found are no longer important to me and certainly would not be important to others. There were some pictures that reminded me of how fortunate I have been to live a life with a knowledge and faith of Jesus throughout my life. There was my baptism certificate, a picture of my Sunday School class at about age 4-5 where I learned more about Jesus as my Savior, my confirmation pictures, pictures from Bethany and from camp where I was a counselor. I will admit that there was a time when I was not as connected to my faith – work schedules, convenience, “fun” and other things interfered with my attention to my Savior. Thankfully I have returned to focus on my on-going need to read, hear, and share the Word of God. As is said in 1 Peter 2:25 ‘For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” It is easy for major changes in our lives to take us away from the supports and reaffirming of God’s promises to us. Let us pray for, encourage, and invite those who face such distractions.
Congregation Prayer Suggestions:
Intercessory prayer – prayers on the behalf of others – is a part of a Christian’s life. If you have a request for Companions in Prayer at Heritage to pray for you or someone you know, please contact Alice Schmidt, Pastor Anderson or the Office.
Each of you have a list of those you pray for, but consider adding these to it.
- Weather and other disasters have again impacted many in our country. Pray for their safety and patience .
- Continue to pray for our homebound members who are unable to attend services.
Serving in March
Click the link –> Greeter Calendar
Greeter Guidelines
To provide a consistent, friendly, and sincere greeting every Sunday to all members and visitors to Heritage Lutheran Church, guidelines have been developed to help accomplish that goal. Following are some of those guidelines:
- Please mark your calendar for the date you are assigned. The date assigned will be published in the Heritage Newsletter for a two-month period.
- Please be ready to greet no less than 20 minutes before each service for which you have been assigned.
- As you greet visitors, please encourage them to sign our guest book. If there are two people greeting, one of you could escort them to the guest book while the other continues to greet. Ideally you should try to introduce them to another member standing nearby. Sometimes this is difficult to do as the service is starting. In that case, try to chat with them after the service and introduce them to other members after the service.
- Stay at the door until the service is underway; visitors quite often show up late and really need extra help in getting bulletins and a place to sit. Feel free to involve the ushers as needed.
- If you have a chance, get their contact information from the guest book or by asking them for it, and then follow up with a thank you text, email, or note sent to them thanking them for visiting our church. If you inform the church office, they could help with this task.
- If you are unable to greet at both services, please ask someone to fill in for you. If you find out at the last minute, text the following who are willing to help – Remus 651-800-5827, Braun 612-237-1064, Fahning 952-200-2870, Eisenbeis 651-230-4423, Barb Oachs 952-465-5272
- If you have a conflict with the date you were assigned, please contact someone from your month or the next month and trade with them. This helps those doing the scheduling with juggling all the rescheduling. Thank You!
March Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers
Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar
March Recording
3/1 – Jason Eisenbeis
3/8 – Stan Miller
3/15 – Libby Paulsen
3/22 – Stan Miller
3/29 – Jason Eisenbeis
March Altar Guild
Hannah Anderson/Magdalena Mears
March Fellowship
3/1 – Braun
3/8 – Open
3/15 – Siewert
3/22 – Damico-O’Gara
3/29 – Fahning
March Birthdays
1 Josiah Mears
4 Michelle Chapman
5 Sarah Robb
8 Chan Smith
14 Jack LaSalle
21 Alice Estes
22 Robert Auren
26 Darlene Lansing
26 Jesse Smith