TRINITY TIDINGS. Feeding the Hungry... Serving the Community. Worship & Celebration Sunday Sunday, May 17th 9:00-11:00 a.m. AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

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1 May 2015 TRINITY TIDINGS The monthly newsletter for Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church Appleton, WI AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM Sunday, May 3 9:00 a.m. Come celebrate with Alex Kopischke, Ben Miller and Mitchell Vander Wielen as they Affirm their Baptism in worship on Sunday, May 3. Alex is the son of Keith & Amy. Ben is the son of Martin & Brenda. And Mitchell is the son of Joe & Chris. A reception will be held for the confirmands along with Breakfast at Trinity in the lower auditorium following worship. May God bless & keep you all! Worship & Celebration Sunday Sunday, May 17th 9:00-11:00 a.m. We'll be trying something new on May 17th! Worship will be held in the lower auditorium and will incorporate some Community Time activities. Technically, you could call it a Cross Generational Worship, but we are calling it Trinity's Worship & Celebration Sunday. It'll be a festive time that will include a potluck brunch afterwards! Food is always important to celebrations. We're going to keep it simple and ask people to bring a brunch-type dish (egg bake, hot dish, fruit or fruit salad, muffins, sweet breads, green jello - a request by Pastor Brian, or dessert). Hot dishes can be baked during the worship service. Please bring dishes to be baked to the kitchen by 8:45 a.m. There will not be a sign-up for food (only for set-up and clean-up) so we'll see how the Holy Spirit moves you to pick which food item to bring. Please contact Sue Ruppel (slruppel@new.rr.com or ), if you are interested in helping with set-up and/or clean -up. Let's celebrate with worship and brunch! Notice of Congregational Meeting and Vote As discussed briefly at the annual meeting in January, the council will be bringing a motion to the congregation to withdraw money from the Trinity Lutheran Foundation. The meeting and vote will be held on Sunday, May 17th after worship. Feeding the Hungry... Serving the Community

2 OUR STORY -- GOD S STORY May COMMUNITY TIME CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 10:00 10:15 a.m. [Lower Auditorium] COMMUNITY TIME 10:15 10:55 a.m. [Lower Auditorium] May 3 rd -- BREAKFAST AT TRINITY and RECEPTION FOR CONFIRMANDS May 10 th GOD S LOVE POURED OUT Romans 5:1-11 May 17 th WORSHIP & CELEBRATION SUNDAY Cross-Generational Service downstairs, Congregational Meeting & Potluck Brunch VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH May Marita Wagner When you walk into Trinity, you will notice that there are always seasonal wreaths, plants and flowers adorning the walls and decorating the tables. Please take the time to say Thank You to Marita Wagner for keeping the building so cheerful!! Marita has been a Trinity member for 56 years. Her mother always had a huge flower garden and her mother s love for flowers was passed down to her. Marita shares her talent with flowers at Trinity by taking care of the planters outside the west doors and all of the flowers and plants inside. She also beautifully places the Easter flowers in the altar area, helps to decorate the church for Christmas, and works with the flowers at special events, such as the ordination and installation. Working with flowers is only one of Marita s talents Trinity members see regularly. Another talent she shares on a personal level is caring and concern. Marita is a trained Stephen s Minister and weekly takes a Trinity worship tape to and communion to our members in their home. Marita also loves to sing and sings with the Neenah YMCA Y-Nots. Using her creative talents, she enjoys coming up with costumes and props for the Y-Nots as they entertain at care facilities once or twice a week. She also loves listening to all kinds of music and attending concerts! One of her favorite groups is the Fox Valleyaires Men s Barbershop group! Creativity has been a gift God has given Marita in many areas of her life. She owned and operated the Comfort Beauty Shop in Neenah for many years and, although she is retired, she still does hair for friends and family out of her home (including her granddogs). Marita has been married to Clifford for 56 years and has been blessed with three children (Lee Ann, Kerrie Jo, Terry) and four grandchildren (Courtney, Hannah, Morgan and Hunter) as well as several grand-animals. You will see Kerrie Jo helping her mom with the Trinity beautification and performing with the Trinity Ringers and Singers, and on the Trinity Council (the apple doesn t fall far from the tree). As you can tell, Marita is always happy to help and enjoys trying lots of new things. Marita, THANK YOU for sharing your talents with your friends at Trinity!! 2

3 Always Being Made New by Pastor Brian Here at Trinity we have been doing some very good work to discern where God is calling us to be (please read Council President Jeanne Beckley s article to see what s next for Trinity). But, we are not alone in our efforts in fact our synod is going through the same process. Our synod supports, connects and guides the leaders and ministries of congregations, working together to achieve things on a scale and scope that we could never do otherwise. Together, we are a church that is deeply rooted and always being made new. The blessing of ELCA congregations and synods working together is that we are able to draw upon a wealth of leaders, resources, networks, support, ideas, experiences, diverse perspectives and diverse communities for doing God s work in the world. Bishop Gerald Mansholt, of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, has provided us the following article letting us know just what our synod has been up to: Back in January we began a process of discernment, seeking to know what God might have in mind for this synod and where God might be leading. People all across the synod were invited to participate in Spirit-Led, Spirit-Shaped: A Journey Together, a series of meetings filled with prayer and conversation. At these meetings I encouraged people to listen deeply for the voice of God in Holy Scripture, in conversations with one another, as well as in the yearnings of brothers and sisters in our neighborhoods and communities. More than 300 people, lay and clergy, participated in the 6 conference gatherings over the three weekends in late January and early February. Additional meetings were held and additional input was received from young adults with The Gathering Place in Oshkosh and from high school students representing 5 different congregations. In March about 45 people gathered with the Synod Council to Dwell in the Word once again, using the same texts of Luke 24, Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Acts 2, God s pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. These people reviewed all the notes from the previous meetings. They shared from their own experiences in the earlier Conference gatherings. As they listened yet again for the voice of God as they began work on a purpose statement with missional directions. In this process there has been a lot of sharing and listening to people from many different congregational sizes and contexts. This has been a process of discernment, of seeking to know and do the will of God in our life together. While Spirit-led listening continues, a Purpose Statement with Missional Directions for the East Central Synod of Wisconsin is emerging. Through this process we are discerning we are a people Stirred by the Spirit Walking Together Engaging the World in Love Feeding and Equipping Leaders Listening Deeply to the Voice of the Other Collaborating with Partners in Ministry Building Bridges Across Divides These words grow out of the rich conversations of this process. There is much in these words to unpack and ponder. They reflect the Spirit-led conversations and thoughts of the participants, all grounded in a prayerful reading of Scripture. People attending the May Synod Assembly will spend more time Dwelling in the Word and listening deeply for the voice of God. We will be processing further what God is saying to us through this Purpose Statement and these Missional Directions. And then the Synod Council, Bishop and staff will set about to plan our work, set goals and objectives. We will structure and steward the resources we have been given so that we may strive to live into the promised future to which God is calling us. May the steadfast love of God, the grace and peace of the Risen Christ and the stirring of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and shape our life together. Bp Jerry 3

4 Friends at Trinity Word from the Council President Our Listening Sessions were well attended 67 participants out of an active membership of about 225, and here are the consolidated responses to the three questions: WHO ARE WE? AS A CONGREGATION, WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL? Trinity gives us FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP, WE SERVE OTHERS, WE HAVE STRONG FAITH AND GOOD PROGRAMS. WHAT ONE CHARACTERISTIC OR TRAIT OF THIS CONGEGATION IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU FOR THE FUTURE? 33 people felt it is OUR WORSHIP FAMILY AND THE FRIENDSHIPS WE HAVE HERE. WHAT IS ONE DREAM OR HOPE YOU HAVE FOR THE CONGREGATION THIS YEAR AND ONE WAY YOU CAN HELP MAKE THAT DREAM A REALITY? Participants want to STAY TOGETER AS A CONGREGATION AND CONTINUE OUR SERVICE TO OTHERS, FIND SOME WAY TO REBUILD MEMBERSHIP, AND EXPAND UPON PROGRAMS WE NOW HAVE. The Executive Committee distilled this information into the following CORE VALUES: OUTREACH (our service to others) BUILDING of COMMUNITY (our congregational community and how we gather together) JESUS is LORD (the faith of our community) The next step will be for church council to define, redefine and give examples of what we do as a congregation to fulfill each of these Core Values. When that is finished, council will begin ASSET MAPPING (matching the people assets we have to our CORE VALUES), assisted by Reverend Jean from the Synod and Pastor Brian. Please keep the church council in your thoughts and prayers as we continue in this process. Blessings to you, Jeanne Jeanne Beckley Council President 4

5 Help is needed for lawn mowing at church. Mowing is done Thursday-Sunday of the week and done on a rotating basis. The more people we have, the less someone is scheduled. Mower is provided and day mentioned above is flexible. It is usually about 1 hour or so commitment depending on what there is to do. Mowing will start the beginning of May and will run until the middle of October. If interested in getting more information or getting on the rotation, please call Sue Barden at th Annual Trinity Charity Golf Outing July 26th. Sign-up NOW!! Trinity Lutheran Church is sponsoring its 11 th annual golf outing to benefit Homeless Connections and Trinity. Please join us in the fun and help the homeless in our community!! A 9-hole scramble, with a shot-gun start, will be held at Winagamie Golf Course on Sunday, July 26 th starting at 2 p.m. A picnic dinner will be held at about 5 p.m. with prizes awarded, a raffle, and Silent Auction items available for bidding. Last year s event raised $5,000 for the Homeless Connections and $3,500 for Trinity. Over the course of the last 10 years, the event has raised $59,000 for Homeless Connections (formerly the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley) and $26,000 for Trinity. See the registration form enclosed, or look for the registration form on Trinity s web site at If you would like to help with the golf outing, donate prizes or auction items, or become a hole sponsor, contact Jean Haese ( or jhae@new.rr.com), or Sandy LeMoine ( or sljblm@aol.com). HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED AT THE SALVATION ARMY? YES. Then YOU ARE INVITED TO: 2015 Volunteer Recognition Dinner On: Thursday, May 14 Where: Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha Time: 5:30 Registration/Reception 6:00 Dinner/Program Contact: Mary Lindsley To register; first 5-No Charge; Registrants over 5 - $15 each; MUST REGISTER BY MAY 4 TH. Spring Cleaning Help Needed on May 11 & 12!! Trinity s kitchen gets a lot of use in a week. It is time to do a good spring cleaning in the kitchen & lower auditorium. Anyone who can spare an hour or so on Monday morning, May 11 or Tuesday, May 12 to do a little spit and polish, please contact Sandy LeMoine at or sljblm@aol.com. Anyone who has food in the refrigerator, please mark it if it needs to be kept. If food is not marked, it will be thrown out. TRINITY FEEDS THE HUNGRY...SERVES THE COMMUNITY Another successful Holiday Meal Collection...Trinity members PLUS 250 Thrivent Action Team Dollars PLUS $$$ Raised by Trinity Women EQUALS 38 Easter Meals for area families. Thank you for the generosity of all the Trinity Members who made donations...god's Work...Our Hands 5

6 Trinity Lutheran Church 209 S. Allen St., Appleton WI May 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Affirmation of Baptism 10:00 am Bfast at Trinity & Reception for Confirmands 4 6:30 pm Exec. Meeting 7 pm Bible Study am KiT 9 am Quilters 7:00 pm AA 7 9 am Appleton Women s Club Noon - AA 7:30 pm AA 7:30 pm Al-Anon 8 3:30 pm L &F :00 am Continental Bfast 10:15 am Community Time 11 9:15 am L&F Board Mtg am KiT 10:30 HHH 7:00 pm AA 14 Noon - AA 7:30 pm AA 7:30 pm Al-Anon 15 News. Deadline Synod Assembly 16 9 am Quilters 5 pm Sons of Norway Synod Assembly 17 Worship & Celebration Sunday & Congregational Mtg. & Potluck am Miniatures 19 EGA (all day) 6:30 pm Council Mtg 20 EGA (all day) 9 am KiT 7:00 pm AA 21 Noon - AA 7 pm W & C Mtg 7:30 pm AA 7:30 pm Al-Anon 22 5 pm Wedding pm Healing Service 25 Office Closed am KiT 7:00 pm AA 28 9:00 am Collate Newsletter 11:30 am Red Ox Noon - AA 7:30 pm AA 7:30 pm Al-Anon

7 WORSHIP TEAM SCHEDULE May 2015 / Love Team May 3 Greet - West: Gloria & Terry Howe Greet - East: Esther Jurgensen Altar Care: Lorna Dorn & Shirley Jooss Acolyte: Alex Kopischke 1. Jim Dorn 3. Jerry LeMoine 4. Jeff Dorow Reader: Sandy LeMoine Communion Assistant: Sandy LeMoine Healing 1. Dorothy Warren 2. Marilyn Schucknecht Children s Time: Kay Schroeder May 10 Greet - West: Dorothy Warren Greet - East: Kay Schroeder Altar Care: Lorna Dorn Acolyte: Can you help? 1. Jim Dorn 3. Terry Howe 4. Jeff Dorow Reader: Sandy LeMoine Communion Assistants: 1. Dorothy Deeg 2. Millie Mohr Children s Time: Dorothy Warren Fellowship: Dorothy Warren Care of Pew Racks: Jan Liebscher May 17 Greet - West: Marilyn Schucknecht Greet - East: Esther Jurgensen Altar Care: Shirley Jooss Acolyte: Teddy Rusch 1. Jerry LeMoine 3. Jeff Dorow 4. Terry Howe Reader: Sandy LeMoine Communion Assistants: 1. Dorothy Deeg 2. Millie Mohr May 24 Greet - West: Marilyn Schucknecht Greet - East: Esther Jurgensen Altar Care: Kay Schroeder Acolyte: Can you help? 1. Jeff Dorow 3. Kay Schroeder 4. Can you help? Reader: Kay Schroeder Communion Assistants: 1. Jeff Dorow 2. Millie Mohr Fellowship: Can you help? Care of Pew Racks: Jan Liebscher May 31 Greet - West: Marilyn Schucknecht Greet - East: Shirley Jooss Altar Care: Can you help? Acolyte: Teddy Rusch Reader: Can you help? 1. Jeff Dorow 3. Jerry LeMoine 4. Can you help? Communion Assistants: 1. Jeff Dorow 2. Millie Mohr Fellowship: Shirley Jooss 7

8 Bible Study Opportunities In May Opportunities at Trinity to Study God s Message for You Please consider joining a study of God s message with others at Trinity. It is a fun experience, with lots of good discussion. Here is a summary of the upcoming opportunities in May. Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room Readings and conversations focus on the readings for Sunday and: Are cheerfully open door so you are welcome at any time. Last about an hour, depending on the desire of the group. Readings for Wednesdays in May include: May 6 - Romans 5:1-11 May 13 - Romans 6:1-14 May 20 - Romans 8:18-39 May 27 - John 5:1-9 You are Welcome to Keep in Touch with God and with one another! Refreshments provided! First Monday of the Month!!! May 4 at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening Bible Study (usually the first Monday of each month) meets on Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room. This will be the final Monday night study until fall. Please join us as we discuss Max Lucado's study, entitled "You'll Get Through This". Do you yearn for some hope in these troubled times? Most of us do, as did Joseph when he was thrown into a pit. And pits have no easy exit. Come join us as we talk about how God lightens our load, no matter how heavy. Call or Mary Robertson with any questions or ideas: ROBERTSON190@aol.com. Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church 209 S. Allen St. Appleton, WI Pastor Brian Bankert pastor@trinityappleton.com An ELCA congregation Trinity Staff Office Manager Sarah Bultman office@trinityappleton.com Organist Custodian Jon Peterson Moore Clean jpete@new.rr.com Pastoral Care: Please contact the church office at In case of emergency, you may contact Pastor Brian on his phone via voice or text Congregation Council President... Jeanne Beckley Vice Pres... Mary Lindsley Secretary... Leanne Meidam Wincentsen Treasurer... Chris Anderson-Kroiss Wanda Fischer Dena Krueger Kay Schroeder Judy Natz Mary Robertson Sue Ruppel Ken Schucknecht Steve Schulze Chris Vander Wielen Kerrie Jo Wagner

9 Community News Fox Valley Lutheran Homes - May 2015 Linwood Place Apartments are filling up, but there are still a few vacancies. If you haven t stopped by lately, how about dropping by for a tour? We d love to show you our apartments, Linwood Commons, and discuss whether this might be just the place you ve been needing. We are continuing to offer classes each month to our tenants and to all member congregations on a topic of interest. On Monday, May 11, at 10:30 AM, we will be hearing Living with Parkinsons One Man s Journey. This is a man who will be telling about his own journey with Parkinson s, so come and listen, come and ask questions. Call FVLH to make reservations. If you are interested in volunteering an hour or two a week, call Ruth our Care Coordinator, or Becky at Your continuing prayers and support keep our ministry here at FVLH alive! Becky Luett, AIM, Executive Director Men & Grief: A Unique Look at How Men Grieve May 7 1:00-2:30pm at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel in Menasha This FREE seminar is for Women Only and will feature a panel of men sharing their stories of loss and their grieving process. The men will also discuss the impact on their daily lives on topics including: coping, finances, new roles in society and loneliness. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. Light refreshments and snacks provided. To register call th Annual Grief Support Symposium May 30 8:30 am-12:30 pm at UW-Fox Valley in Menasha This free event is open to those who are grieving and those who companion them. Keynote Address, Loss & Grief: Social Media s Impact on the Way We Grieve will be presented by Dr. Illene Cupit a professor of Human Development at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and founder of Camp Lloyd-a day camp for grieving children. Participants may attend two breakout sessions on grief related topics, visit the informational booths and participate in a dove release to conclude the event. For more information or to register call REGISTER NOW EVENT FILLS UP FAST TRINITY MEMBERS and THRIVENT MEMBERS The Outagamie Chapter of Thrivent Financial invites members and their personal guests to our annual Economic Update. Join us at Riverview Gardens, 1101 Oneida Street Appleton, on Thursday, June 11 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. This year we will host Dan Chouanard, who will be presenting on the status of the current economy. The cost for this event is $5 per person. Register via Eventbrite OR Ask Mary Lindsley