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FROM THE PRESIDENT A very special event happened on May 31st at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rebecca Peters was ordained. It was a very happy evening with a reception before the service, a great message, and area pastors and Bishop Justman as guests.
Rebecca accepted a call from Grace Lutheran in Tomahawk.
The amazing part is that Rebecca’s home church of Trinity Lutheran Church is where she was not only a member but also supported during her seminary education by Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation. I am so grateful for the people that came before who had the foresight to make The Foundation and its scholarship endowment possible. All the members of Trinity Lutheran Church can be proud of planting the seed of faith in Rebecca, and see the amazing fruit of Gods love being shared with her ministry.
We have been given a very special gift in Pastor Steve. Please join us as we continue to Unleash the Spirit at Trinity Lutheran Church.
As always should you have any questions for me feel free to email me at acaley6@charter.net.
“Lord Let thy will be done” as we move forward.
Peace Dave Acaley
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS · Let Justice Roll! was the theme at Imago Dei Village near Clintonville from June 8 to 13, as sixteen of our 7th and 8th grade Confirmation students attended camp for the week. Sandy Wendland and Todd Lewis were also with these young adults as they completed this part of their spiritual journey. Thanks to Pastor Steve for his visit, parental support driving to and from camp and prayers of the congregation. · Gail Pucci and Ted Rusch were our delegates to our synod assembly. This year’s theme was Shaped by Scripture, in which the ELCA invites us all the rediscover the Bible as the language of our faith, in order that we might live into our calling as people renewed, enlivened and empowered by the Word of God. · A new staff position has been created at Trinity. Sandy Koch has volunteered to be our Volunteer Coordinator. She will assist those who obtain volunteers in the use of the time & talent forms and help recruit additional volunteers. · We bid farewell to Ellen Miller, whose last day as Trinity’s Child Care Director will be June 20. Ellen will be replaced by a current staff member, Jean Cunningham. Best wishes to both of these women! · Trinity has our AED (automated external defibrillator) installed. A training session for Trinity members will take place on Sunday, June 29, from 10:15-1:45 for CPR and AED use. · Our visitation ministry is flourishing in the Stevens Point community. Currently serving in this capacity are Pastor Steve, Sandy Wendland, Judy Fink and volunteer visitors Ted Rusch, Barbara Murin and Gail Pucci. Services provided include home and hospital visits, worship services at area nursing homes, personal and telephone contacts to shut-ins or persons with limited mobility. Brenda Brekke Council Secretary
Pastor Steve,
“The rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air…”. While watching the fireworks I wondered if you ever thought of using roman candles in your sermon to “jazz them up”. I’ll bring some home in case you might want to. Until then, I’m keeping Trinity in my prayers. The check is in the mail (honest)!
I.M. Travelin
GROCERY SUNDAY July 6 is our next Grocery Sunday! The Mobile Food Pantry was most appreciative of all of food they received at the beginning of June. Our donations allowed the coordinator to add a few extra items to each recipient’s bag.
In July our non-perishable donations will benefit Operation Bootstrap. Slips listing their needs can be found on the grocery cart. Paper bags are always appreciated too. Let’s fill the cart to overflowing!
SYNOD ASSEMBLY REPORT Shaped by Scripture
What memories do you have of someone teaching or preaching the Bible to you?
Shaped by Scripture was the 2008 East Central Synod of Wisconsin Synod Assembly’s theme. We would like to thank Trinity congregation for the opportunity to be Trinity’s voting delegates at this Synod Assembly. The following are assembly highlights.
Treasurer’s Report started with Bishop Jim being presented the final check for paying off the mortgage on the East Central Synod office. Attendance at the Assembly was 495. A total offering of $14,980 was collected at the opening worship. The music at this service was led by Peder Eide. Crossways Camping Ministry was present and presented their staff. They led us in music and were installed. Rev. Dr. Driver-Bishop was our featured speaker during the Assembly and his multimedia presentations dealt with the four gospels. He introduced us to various forms of technology that can be used in bringing God’s Word to others and also how to use technology to invite others to come, see and hear the Good News. Bishop and Associate to the Bishop both spoke on the importance of God’s Word, for it is the foundation for everything we do. It is our GPS for life and it is the Word that can strengthen each of us. When we get off track we need to recalculate and refocus on God’s Word. We need to repent and refresh when we slip back to our human frailty. Congregational renewal leads to lots of questions. What is God up to and where is God taking us? This Congregational renewal involves the participation of all members working playfully, as we are all gifted. You need to know your surroundings, so the renewal takes place in your neighborhood and community. A renewing church also allows good ideas to come into existence. Five gifts for the church are: 1-Grace-filled, remembering the story that he lived, died and arose. Forgiveness, kindness and care. 2-More self-aware, we need to know our core values and what we do well. 3-That we would have more healthy communities, in the sense of being a church of the positive. 4-Linking to the global church, neighbors and community. We are stronger together than apart. 5-Find grounded in Christ risk takers. 2008 Resolutions -2009 Budget was explained and approved. -2009 Compensation Guidelines were explained and approved. -Resolution for the Establishment of an Endowment for the purpose of support of churches located in areas of high poverty. This resolution drew a large range of input from the attendees and was referred to the office of Bishop. -Resolution for background checks for Synod officers was heavily discussed by the attendees. There was a proposed amendment brought to the floor, but it was approved to send the amendment and resolution back to the Executive committee. Ms. Myrna Sheie, National ELCA representative reminded us that we as the church often fail to know how far the outreach of our programs have impacted the lives of many. God’s Work, Our Hands is a theme for all churches We do God’s work not because God wants us to, but because our neighbors need us and we do it out of love for God and what he has done for us. There are 5 directions for the church at large and as public church. 1-Step forward as a public church witnessing to God and being open in our discussions on a variety of issues. 2-Support our troops. We have 98 chaplains on active duty. 3-Have companions throughout the world. 4-Speak together about the diseases of poverty. 5-Strengthen our support for World Hunger. Our Synod is second in giving to the ELCA Hunger Fund. Our church support is visible from the small to the massive, like our disaster relief support. God is also at work in the generous giving in 2006 of 1.9 billion by all the ELCA congregations. This is to support ministries of congregations and the church-wide ministries. Right now there are 260 missionaries in 49 countries. Each are the church, but the parts work together to make the church. Break-out Sessions -Task Force on Human Sexuality report-This session was to receive feedback on each section of the draft. -Using Electronics to Reach Out to Others-Rev. Dr. Driver-Bishop spoke on how churches are using videos in alternative services. We also can not dismiss technology and the impact it can have on the church. -Taste Worship-Peder Eide told about a highly interactive worship that will strengthen family relationships with God and each other. Congratulations to Trinity for being one of the top 5 givers in the Synod to World Hunger and Stand with Africa! Ted Rusch and Gail Pucci
Confirmation News Dear Trinity Members: “Thank you for letting us come to Confirmation Camp and helping us with the expenses. We had an awesome time. We met new people, and we got to know each other and Jesus better.” Let Justice Roll was the theme for camp based on Amos 5:24. Morgan Beadle Alexis Brekke Travis Byczynski Brett Chojnacki Emily Golotta Lauren Hagen Joel Harris Austin Jensen Lindsey Kienbaum Cody Kropidlowski Allison McLeod Taylor Peters Lia Ray Alex Stewart Anne VerHagen Ryan Wessell
The above named students represented Trinity very well at camp. When I reminded them that the congregation thinks camp is so important to their faith life that they budget money to help defray the costs of Confirmation Camp the students wanted to write you a thank you note. We learned about the persistence of God’s justice, how God deals with each of us equally, and forgiveness is part of justice. The students also participated in typical camp activities: waterfront, biking, camping out in a tent, field games, and arts and crafts. The young adults who are counselors do such a marvelous job of sharing their faith and building relationships with the campers. Ask one of our boys about their counselor from South Africa. Todd Lewis joined me for the week at Camp and Pastor Steve came over on Tuesday to join the group. Sandra Wendland, Associate in Ministry
Sunday School News As we draw closer to the Sunday School year at Trinity, the plans for implementing rotational Sunday School are on their way for Grades 1 through 6. Preschool and Kindergarten will remain the same. Workshop Rotation Model in a nutshell: Teach major Bible stories and concepts through kid-friendly multimedia workshops. The workshops may include an Art workshop, Drama, Music, Games, Puppets, Storytelling, and other educational media. The same Bible story is taught in all of the workshops for three or four weeks rotating the kids to a different workshop each week. And here comes the extremely teacher friendly part: Keep the same teacher in each workshop for three or four weeks teaching the same lesson week after week to each new class coming in. This means less preparation time, but more people like you are needed.
The scope and sequence (what lessons will be taught) for three years is complete, resources are being gathered for those lessons and more changes to our building are in progress. But for this program to work and be meaningful for our children we will need committed adults. Several options are available.
1. Resource Planners. These people work on putting the resources together for the lessons. This would be a team project and will begin soon. 2. Scavengers and Shoppers. These people will obtain supplies for the lessons. Many items are in the Sunday School office, others will need to be purchased. 3. Shepherds are needed. These people stay with a group of children for a year. They are the “glue” that the children need from week to week. The shepherd will distribute name tags, take attendance, etc. and shepherd the children to the correct area each week. The shepherd will also assist the teacher for the week. No planning involved here, but a time commitment is what is needed. 4. Presenters will be leading the students. Presenters will present the same basic workshop for 3 (maybe 4) weeks in a row. By doing this many people participate. You are welcome to choose several months to teach, or for the entire year. Options for presenting may be storytelling, arts and crafts, music, drama or puppets, games, food, writing. Ask a friend and the two of you can work together. 5. A coordinator or team of coordinators will be needed to keep the program running. 6. Sunday School Superintendent. This will involve the traditional superintendents duties of taking attendance and offering, handing out supplies, registering new families, directing students, etc. 7. Stage Crew. This group of people would be an on call group for building a set or putting together a scene, or gathering costumes that enhances the Bible story.
Please return the following to Rose Nelson or Sandra Wendland ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------———---------------- Name ______________________________________________________________ You are invited to choose more than one area to participate in.
I am willing to be a: 1. ______Resource Planner 2. ______Scavenger and Shopper 3. ______Shepherd 4. ______Presenter _____All year Months of _________________ Areas of interest: ___Storytelling ___arts and crafts ___music ____drama or puppets ___games _____food ____writing 5. ______Program Coordinator 6. ______Sunday School Superintendent 7. ______Stage Crew member
It’s Time for Vacation Bible School When: August 12, 13, 14 beginning at 5:15 pm Who: The whole family is invited for an intergenerational time of learning and fun. Highlights: A light supper each evening A visit by live rainforest animals Bible Stories, Crafts and more surprises
TRINITY CHILD CARE NEWS I would like to introduce myself. I am Jean Cunningham and I will succeed Ellen Miller as Director of Trinity Child Care. I am married to a wonderful man, Jim. We have five children, one daughter, Aileen (22), and four sons, Adam (21), Charles (17), Samuel (12) and Jacob (10). We live near Rosholt. I have been employed at Trinity Child Care for almost 3 years, in the positions of teacher assistant and teacher. I have been in the Early Childhood Field for almost 17 years. My family and I are members of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception in Custer, where I teach second grade religious education. I will be graduating in December from Northcentral Technical College, Wausau with a degree in Early Childhood and a Certificate of Leadership of an Early Childhood Education. I am excited to be working with such an excellent staff and am enthusiastic that we will continue to provide quality care for the children and families of Trinity Child Care
Jean Cunningham, Director
THANK YOU I would like to thank the congregation for the wonderful reception and gift you gave me. It was so nice to talk with many of you for one last time. It has been a great experience working at Trinity Child Care over the past 15 years. Also, thank you to the church staff who always made me feel welcome and a part of Trinity. I miss all of you, but think of you often. Ellen Miller
TRINITY LUNCH BUNCH Please join us in the Portage County Business Park to try another new restaurant. Plan to meet at noon at Bistro 212 at 3217 John Joanis Drive on Tuesday, July 15. Please call the church office at 344-2869 to say you’ll join us. All are welcome. Jane Flanagan Jane Goudreau
Project Fresh Start Our Spare-a-Dime offering for the month of July will benefit Project Fresh Start. Coordinated by the United Way Volunteer Center, Project Fresh Start collects school supplies and distributes them to local children in need. Project Fresh Start began over ten years ago and has grown steadily in response to the increasing needs of the children in our community. Last year, the program provided over 700 children with enough supplies for a successful school year. Area teachers report that the program makes a positive difference in their classrooms. Please give generously to this worthy cause.
During July and August, Trinity will once again serve as a registered collection site for Project Fresh Start. You can drop off new school supplies at a special table in the narthex between July 7 and August 20. A complete list of needed items will be available at the table, but here are a few suggestions:
Backpacks Blue & Black Pens School Glue/ Glue Sticks #2 Pencils with Erasers Crayola Crayons (16, 24, 48 ct) Wide-tip Markers Toothpaste/Toothbrushes School Boxes Wideline Paper (Loose or Spiral) Scotch Tape Large Boxes Tissues 1” 3-Ring Binders 12” Metric/English Rulers School Boxes Fiskar’s Scissors Shampoo/Combs Handheld Pencil Sharpeners Calculators
The United Way Volunteer Center also needs volunteers to pick up, sort, and distribute supplies August 21-23 and August 28. If you can help, call 211 or 341-6740 or register at www.volunteersrock.org under the “Events” tab. Thank you!
HEALTH KITS Let us begin this summer by helping others who are in need and who could use a health kit by donating some or all of the following items that go in a health kit.
Hand towel, dark color recommended Washcloth, dark color recommended Bath size bar of soap 4-5 oz. in its original wrapping Adult size toothbrush in its original packaging Comb, wide tooth preferred Metal nail file or nail clippers with file Six Band-Aids (or similar brand) 1/2” to 3/4” preferred
TRINITY LIBRARY If you read news articles or attended the parade and picnic on May 17th to celebrate Stevens Point’s official 150th birthday, you might be inspired to read more about our town’s history. For stories about growing up on the ‘Nort Side’ during the 1930’s, read Slaugh of Memories (809 ZMU) by Dorothy Zmuda. Check out page 89 in For the Love of Postcards: a pictorial celebration of Portage County heritage (917.75 AND) by John Anderson for a picture of the old Trinity Lutheran church. For more Stevens Point history, visit the Portage County Public Library. Thinking about local history can expand your thoughts to all of Wisconsin. Books on display to check out include Sacred Sites of Wisconsin and Grandparents: Wisconsin Style, both full of interesting travel destinations to discover. Several Wisconsin writers have focused on the natural beauty of our state, including Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, and Bill Stokes. Also on display are books on a variety of topics by Wisconsin authors Jennifer Chiauerini, Jacqueline Mitchard, Michael Perry, Beverly Butler, Kevin Henks, Barbara Joosse, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and others. A final recommendation is The Legend of Old Abe: a Civil War eagle (Int War) By Kathy Jo Wargin. Old Abe was captured as young eagle from his nest near Park Falls, Wisconsin and became the mascot of the 8th Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. His courageous exploits caused him to become known throughout the country. Thanks to those who recently donated books to the Trinity library collection including Barb Towey and Karolyn Solberg.
Sybil Strupp for the Library Committee
FARRAGO BOOK GROUP Are you looking for something to read this summer? You might want to consider Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. In 1993 Mortenson attempted to climb K2, the world’s 2nd tallest mountain. Seriously ill when he finished, he spent the next seven weeks in the small Pakistani village of Korphe. He promised to return and build the town’s first school. Village elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials, ambitious school girls and Muslims populate the book. Captivating & suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win your heart.
The books will be available in the church office after June 20. The book group will be discussing Three Cups of Tea September 7 and 14 during Middle Hour. Please contact Sybil Strupp with any questions.
HEALTH CORNER With July 4th around the corner, it is important for us to think about Fireworks Safety.
General Facts About Fireworks: 1. Fireworks are classified in 2 categories: “Display” and “consumer.” 2. “Display Fireworks” are devices used by park districts for public exhibition. 3. “Consumer Fireworks” are any small device commonly bought over-the-counter. These are also referred to as Class C or 1.4 G fireworks - Ground fireworks, such as firecrackers, have a maximum allowable charge of 50 milligrams of gunpowder. - Aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, have a maximum allowable charge of 130 milligrams of gunpowder. This is enough explosive power to turn the “launch site” into schrapnel. - Other types of consumer fireworks are sparklers, roman candles, fountains and snakes. Sparklers burn up to 1800°F. Facts About Fireworks Injuries 1. Fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 9,200 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2006 (latest available data). 2. An estimated 6,400 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms during the 1 month period (June 16-July 16) surrounding the Fourth of July. 3. Eyes were the second most commonly injured part of the body. 4. Firecrackers accounted for 20% of all injuries followed by rockets (13%) and sparklers (16%). 5. Males suffered 3 times the number of injuries as females. 6. Sparklers caused the greatest number of injuries in children 14 and younger, follower by firecrackers and rockets. 7. Of 1,000 estimated sparkler injuries, 200 were to children age 5 and younger. 8. 2,300 injuries were to children under age 15. 9. Bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators themselves. 10. Contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies were the most common injuries to eyes. 11. 11 people were killed by fireworks in 2006. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Prevent Blindness America urges you to celebrate safely. The recommendation is to not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators (professional displays can also be dangerous).
Blessings in the Name of the Healing Christ. We do indeed have a God who provides for all of our needs, beyond our knowledge or desires. Have a safe Fourth of July.
Judy Fink, Parish Nurse
TRINITY QUILT MAKERS We can see lots of devastation on the TV news these days with rain, flooding, and tornadoes. It's more important than ever that we keep making as many quilts as we can for Lutheran World Relief. Quilts are just a part of the vast relief efforts provided by LWR, and making and contributing our quilts is something we can do year round. Please join us. Workdays this month are Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 24 from 9:00-2:30 in Fellowship Hall.
Lynn Anderson
MITTEN TREE UPDATE The elves are busy knitting. We have a box of hats, mittens and scarves just waiting for the tree to go up. Thanks for all who are taking this generous service project to heart and getting a head start on things.
Pat Saari and Gale Olson co-chairs
TRINITY’S LADIES SOCIAL EVENT Saturday, October 18 2:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall A “Get To Know You” afternoon with lots of singing, music, games and refreshments. All Trinity Women are urged to come and meet our new members and present group.
No charge, no need to furnish anything but yourself. It’s a work free event. “Let’s Get Friendly”.
Betty L. Moss, Coordinator
The following information was released by Lutheran Disaster Response regarding the upper Midwest flooding and tornadoes: “Historic Floods Devastating Wisconsin” In the past weeks crippling storms have afflicted wide parts of the Midwest. In Wisconsin, recent storms have brought disastrous flooding to many communities, including communities devastated in last summer's floods. In the midst of these disastrous floods and storms that have struck our community, we lean on our faith for support. The Lutheran community always generously serves those in need in times of trouble and disaster. There will be many opportunities to serve in the weeks and days ahead. Your prayers are especially needed at this time. Please pray for those affected by the floods and for the first responders still working to ensure that all are safe. Please do not send unsolicited gifts of food, clothing, or other materials. If local food pantries and other social service distribution centers need these donations at a later time, they will make those requests of the local community. Please do consider giving to the long term recovery needs of those affected by flooding through Lutheran Disaster Response. Give through your congregation or send your check directly to: ELCA Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. With a credit card, give online at www.elca.org/giving or call 800-638-3522. Visit www.elca.org/disaster to learn more.” Rev. Kevin Massey, BCC Director ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
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