Have a Blessed New Year, Pastor Dana Newhouse

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1 VOL 60 NO. 01 January 2019.from Pastor Dana to the People. Thank you all very much for the gifts, cards, and kind words that Susie and I have received from you for Christmas. Your expressions of love and care are a tremendous blessing to us and they are appreciated very much. As I write this I am thinking about how the New Year of 2019 is almost here! For Christians, the beginning of a New Year is very much like the beginning of each and every new day. The beginning of a New Year carries with it a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. That same sense of new beginnings and a fresh start are a daily promise for Christians. In 1 John 1:9 of God s Word we read about the comforting and hope filled words that tell us that If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Yes, by God s grace, our sins can be forgiven and we are given a new beginning and are empowered for new areas of ministry each day in the sight of our loving God, not just in the beginning days of the New Year. Of course, another great part of our New Year celebrations can also include our understanding that some things always stay the same. And we do not really want everything to change in our lives. We do want and need a sense of stability in a world that seems to be so chaotic, stormy, and out of balance sometimes and we can find our stability in the constant and gracious presence of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. In the midst of these coming New Year Days, may the love and power of our gracious God sustain us as individuals, families, friends, and as a Congregation. Our God, who is faithful to always be there for us, loves us and forgives us each and every day and makes everything new, including us. May God s promise of grace, forgiveness and love continue to strengthen and guide us in our lives of discipleship and faith in this New Year of 2019 and in all years to come. Have a Blessed New Year, Pastor Dana Newhouse

2 Page 2 COMMITTEES MEETINGS DATES/TIMES The following ministry teams meet as noted: Christian Education/Youth Team TBA Communications Team TBA Finance/Stewardship TBA Care Team (Nurture/Outreach) TBA Mutual Ministry Wed., Jan. 30, 6:00 PM Property Committee Sun., Jan. 13, 9:15 AM Worship/Music Wed., Feb. 6, 6:00 PM Any questions about meeting days/times/locations should be directed to the committee chairs. Thank you. NOTE: If your committee information does not appear here and you would like for it to, please get the appropriate information into the church office. Thank you. Security Update Church Council has decided to refine the safety practice instituted in March. Starting immediately, all exterior doors will be locked during Sunday Service. The door by the office will be locked by Pastor just prior to the start of service and the Fellowship Hall and Main Entry doors will be locked by the ushers ten (10) minutes after the start of service. Late arrivals should use the main entry door, so the ushers will be able to see and admit you. In addition, we encourage all groups using the church facility to follow the same guidelines to prevent any surprise visitors. Thank you. Trinity Women Circle will meet on Wednesday, January 9, 7:00 PM at Trinity. Cynthia Olmi will serve as hostess. Suzi Bloomer will lead the lesson, Pharaoh s Daughter. All women are welcome. Ladies Saturday Gathering will NOT meet in January. The Ruth Circle is scheduled to meet Wednesday, January 16, 10:00 AM, at Trinity. Pastor Dana will be on vacation December 27th through January 2nd. He will be back in the office on Thursday, January 3rd. In his absence, Pat McIntyre will be preaching on December 30th. A New Year s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Unknown Contact hours for the church office 10:00 AM 12:30 PM Monday through Thursday Office is CLOSED on Fridays Volunteer to be a Recycle Transporter The Property Ministry Team has posted a schedule for a family to take the recycle materials from church to ISU or Goodwill each month. Plastic bags are provided. Please sign for a month on the sheet in the narthex of the church. Your help is much appreciated. January February March Pomfret Mericle Hearing Assisted Listening Trinity has installed 4 hearing assisted devices. They will work with traditional ear buds or headphones. They will amplify anything that is read during the service with our microphones. They will not amplify music or speakers who are not using microphones. They are available on a first come/first served basis. If you are interested in trying one of these devices, please speak to Raymond Bloomer. Although Trinity will have available some earbuds and headphones, we hope, for sanitary reasons, individuals will provide their own. PENNY POWER The last Sunday of the month is Penny Power Sunday. Each penny donated is enough to buy one cup of milk, through Lutheran World Hunger, for a child in a developing country. January = 10,875 February = 9,837 March = 12,688 April = 12,302 May = 7,031 June = 10,527 July = 10,848 August = 8,054 September = 23,641 October = 12,432 November = 6, Total = 125,176 pennies = 125,176 cups of milk = $1, MISSION STATEMENT: Believing in Christ, we GATHER, GROW and GO with the good news of His love, compassion and forgiveness.

3 Page 3 ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 20, 2019 AFTER WORSHIP A review of 2018 and a glimpse of things to come. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Lessons in wise faith The Magi teach us true faith, said Martin Luther. Given the obstacles they encountered, we would understand if they had given up altogether! First, the travelers were off the mark, coming to Jerusalem to seek a newborn king in a royal palace. Then, directed to Bethlehem, the wise men found a sight so utterly out of keeping with a king a poor young woman and child, in a poor hut that one might expect them to head straight home. But, declares Luther, with a great, strong and full faith they... follow the word of the prophet and the witness of the star in all purity of heart, bowing to worship and honor the Savior. Based on Luther s sermon for the Festival of the Epiphany (1522), Luther s Works Empowered The One who calls you to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature is the One who by your consent, goes into all the world and preaches the Gospel to every creature through you! W. Ian Thomas

4 Page 4 ANNOUNCING... Isaac Hale Clark Isaac was born, Friday, December 7th to Adrienne & Jared Clark. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Welcoming him home were sisters, Alexandria, Emma, & Abigail. Proud grandma & grandpa are Ladies Saturday Gathering Christmas Party... Margie Phillips, Jane Strecker, Gayle Bland and Jan Lemond. Ladies Saturday Gathering Christmas Party... Marion Arts, Marlowe Owen, Linda Rodenberger and Margie Phillips Ladies Saturday Gathering Christmas Party... Erika Hale, Carol Hawn, Susie Newhouse and Linda Afdahl Sunday, January 20, 2019 Following worship service Lutheran World Relief Quilting MARK YOUR CALENDAR for these Saturdays, 9 noon: January 5, February 2, March 2, June 8, August 3 September 7, November 2 During these events, we will be making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and Union Hospital. Full size, light weight quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief and then on to families in Africa. These quilts are made with large pieces of cotton or cotton/polyester fabric that will withstand wear and tear. They are tied with cotton thread. Smaller, twin size or crib size, quilts are made for Union Hospital to dispense to those children in need. These are made with flannel and cotton and are also yarn-tied. Come join us at one or all of these times for fellowship and outreach. Sewing skills are not necessary. Being able to tie your tennis shoes in knots is a plus. Please bring scissors. This activity is appropriate for ages 12 and older. There will not be child care. Questions see Suzi Bloomer. See you there!!!!!

5 Page ANNUAL REPORTS are due in the church office January 8, 2019 Your co-operation is appreciated. HAVE JOBS NEED HANDS If you Missed the fall clean-up day and are looking for that perfect job to fit your talents and time, check the following list for jobs that need to be completed here at Trinity. See Ray Bloomer for more information (and let him know if a job is finished!) Replacement of bathroom faucets (5) Window glazing Exterior painting doors, windows, trim Roof patch around restroom/heating vent Interior painting Replacing light bulbs Replacing furnace filters Repair/replace spotlights in rear of sanctuary Replace siding on east side of building Replace drain on west side of building Repair stairwell spotlights Check smoke alarms/fire extinguishers (monthly) Construct storage shelf for handicap items in recycle Room NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS At the November Congregational Meeting the following were elected to 3 year terms: Donna Gustafson, Pete Gustafson, Jolynn Kuhlman (re-elected), Pat McIntyre, Jim Pendergast and Theresa Spallone (re-elected). Amelia Pomfret was elected to a 1-year term. These individuals began serving at the December 2018 meeting. We appreciate their willingness to serve Trinity in this capacity. We graciously acknowledge and thank Greg Essig and Linda Rodenberger (our two retiring members) for their service to Trinity through the church council. Reading resolutions Every January, many Christians resolve to read the entire Bible in one year. That s a worthy goal, but God doesn t require us to read a certain number of verses or chapters per day. Instead, he tells us to simply be in his Word and thus be with him so he can grow our faith, light our path and assure us of his love and forgiveness. God s Word is a precious gift, but we need to unwrap it! F.B. Meyer offers this helpful advice for a new year of discovering (and rediscovering!) Scripture: Read the Bible, not as a newspaper, but as a home letter. If a cluster of heavenly fruit hangs within reach, gather it. If a promise lies upon the page as a blank check, cash it. If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you. If the truth is revealed entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate your life. All Saints Piano & Organ Fund A fund was established on All Saints Day 2013 to encourage gifts toward the procurement of a piano or organ. Gifts of any kind are appropriate for this fund. As such, gifts in celebration of a birth, birthday, baptism, confirmation, wedding or wedding anniversary, graduation, special occasion, or recognition are most welcome. Additionally, gifts given in memory of a loved one or as a gift from an estate would be most gratefully received. The following gifts have been given to the glory of God: by Pete & Donna Gustafson by Sara J. Johnson Thank you for your generosity. Above reflects recent gifts received through December 31, FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT CARDS (Adult game night) The first Friday in December found a small but animated group gather for a game of cards & food (always food). A nice variety of tasty morsels was enjoyed by those in attendance. While some regulars were missing (a local concert had their attention for the evening), we were pleased to welcome a first time player. While the game was different to him, he said he enjoyed it and would return. The sub score keeper for the evening did not win. That honor went to our die hard zero bid player. Please join us January 4, 7:00 PM for a fun time. Those attending are asked to bring a snack to share and a 2 liter soda. And maybe, just maybe, a few birthdays will be celebrated.

6 Page 6 ANGEL TREE Update Thanks to your generosity, 60 gift bags were donated & picked up by CODA representatives on Tuesday, December 18th. In addition to the gift bags, was assorted wrapping paper and bows. Those picking up the gifts were very appreciative. Again, thank you to the Trinity family for your support of this outreach project. Kingfisher faith In a video on his publisher s website, Eugene Peterson tells of watching a kingfisher repeatedly dive for fish in a lake. Peterson counted 37 dives before the kingfisher caught its supper! And he s the king fisher! Peterson chuckles. From that bird-watching episode, he gleaned a ministry lesson: It may take a long time and many attempts maybe dozens! before something works out. God calls us to live out his love faithfully, even when we don t seem to be accomplishing anything. Maybe we extend 36 invitations to worship, work 36 monthly shifts at a food bank or utter 36 prayers without seeing results. What s the point? we wonder. But the kingfisher urges us on: Maybe number 37 is the charm! In the words of St. Paul (and mixing fishing and farming metaphors): Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9, NIV). Trinity SYMPATHY to the family of Trinity member, Ruth Timm. Ruth passed from this life to the next on Monday, December 17th. 171 LAYETTE ITEMS donated for Union Hopital: 14 fleece blankets, 13 quilts, 13 blankets, 103 new born to 3 months items, 28 premie items, as well as hats, bibs, diapers, & socks. The Trinity Women Circle thanks you for your generosity in helping us help those babies in need. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, ESV) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

7 Page 7 DECEMBER SERVANTS A 2019 FLOWER CHART for altar flowers is posted (or soon will be) in the Narthex. If the date you want has already been chosen, just sign above or below that name (please make it clear what Sunday you are signing up for). At this time, altar flowers continue to be $6.00 (this is what we pay for them). Whenever you are paying for altar flowers, please mark your payment altar flowers. Thank you. DONATIONS NEEDED PASTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND Pastor s discretionary fund is in need of monetary donations. The need is great in our community for help with utilities. While we do assist with other needs, utility needs are the greatest requests we receive. We take the requests seriously and work with Salvation Army/Terre Haute Ministries in the vetting process. We also have other contacts in the area of social work that may send us clients who are seeking assistance. Any help you can provide in replenishing this fund, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to those who regularly give to this fund. Questions may be directed to Pastor Dana. We thank the following people for volunteering during the month of December: USHERS Adam & Jody Pomfret, Marv & Barb Mericle, Brad & Polly Sumansky, Bob & Denise Taylor, Mark & Sherri Southwick LAY ASSISTANTS Sue Gosse, John McIntyre, Carol Hawn, Pete Gustafson, Gordy & Linda Afdahl, Charles Parks ACOLYTES Nicholas Stewart, Aiden Pomfret, Kayla Goldsworthy, Cody Spallone, Kristen Goldsworthy ALTAR CARE Suzi Bloomer, Theresa Spallone, Barb Mericle, Pat McIntyre, Denise Taylor, Cynthia Olmi COMMUNION PRESENTERS Aiden Pomfret, Julia Pomfret, Joan Kasameyer, Jan Lemond, Rose Mills, Sherry Tacker, Robert Dierdorf, Tina Teeters COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Cynthia Olmi, Patricia McIntyre, Maranda Schoffstall, Linda Rodenberger COMMUNION BREAD Jean Myers, Joan Kasameyer, Rose Mills, Margie Phillips, Theresa Spallone LITURGISTS Bill Strecker, Charles Parks, Pat McIntyre, Elizabeth Eichmiller COUNTERS Taylors, Bloomers, Gustafsons PREACHING Rev. Dana Newhouse, Patricia McIntyre THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING TO SERVE IN OUR WORSHIP SERVICES. Won t you share your time and talent? For further information contact the church office at Winter warmth O God, you give the winter s cold, as well as summer s joyous rays. You warmly in your love enfold, and keep us through life s wintry days. Samuel Longfellow FIFTH SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH The fellowship brunches will be held on the dates shown below. The Nurture and Outreach committees are asking that each family or person attending bring a potluck dish to share. You are still welcome if you do not have time to prepare a dish or forget. Always look for a sign up sheet in the narthex to indicate your attendance. This will give us a count for how many tables to set up. These brunches give the congregation the opportunity to get together and visit for a while after church service. This is also a good time for visitors and new members to get acquainted with Trinity. Hope to see you at the brunches. Mark your calendars for future brunch(es): March 31, June 30, September 29, December 29

8 Page 8 The Wednesday lunch bunch group will meet Wednesday, January 2, 12:30 Logan s Rib-eye. Please let Carol Hawn know by noon Tuesday, January 1, if you plan to attend. All ladies of Trinity (and friends) are invited to join this group. Questions or suggestions regarding the lunch bunch may be directed to Carol Hawn, WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS FOR JANUARY Worship assignments for January are posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex and a copy is also included in this newsletter. If you are unable to serve when assigned, please trade with someone in your category and change the info on the assignment sheets in the Narthex or contact the office with the change. Also, if you desire to serve and have not turned in a Time & Talent Sheet, you may still do so by filling out a sheet (available on the table in the Narthex) and returning it to the church office or you may contact Denise Taylor ( ). Thank you. Dear Trinity Family, Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your many cards, gifts and remembrances during Christmas time. I especially appreciate the financial gift from the church. Your generosity is humbling. I am privileged to be working with such a wonderful group of people. I pray for God s blessing on all of us in In Christ s love and service, Sara J. MEN MEET FOR BREAKFAST & FELLOWSHIP All men of Trinity are invited to meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month at 8:30 AM for a Dutch treat breakfast and fellowship. The group currently meets at Cackleberries at 7th & Poplar. If you have questions, please contact Marv Mericle ( ), Kerry Coe ( ), or Terry Mills ( ). SHOES FOR THE HOMELESS Our daughter, Charlotte McCain Covello, is a podiatrist in Chicago. She & several of her colleagues conduct a free foot clinic once a month. One of their on going needs is decent shoes for their patients. They would like used shoes with good wear left to give out as needed. Used running shoes are especially desirable. Both Men s and women s shoes are needed. We continue to collect shoes for this project. There is a box in the Narthex for shoe donations. We ll take them to Chicago when we visit (which is often to keep track of our grandchildren). If you have any questions give us a call. Thank you. Phyllis & Boice McCain DONATIONS are NEEDED We are always in need of donations to replenish Trinity s FOOD VOUCHERS (FOOD PANTRY) to help those in need. Trinity has partnered with the Terre Haute Ministries assistance program. Trinity has chosen to provide food vouchers. We need to provide a committed monthly amount to the program. This is not a line item in our budget and can only be supported by your generosity. Questions regarding this program should be directed to Charles Parks or Pastor Dana. Thank you to those who continually support this outreach opportunity. TO DATE: January through December 2018 your generosity has allowed Trinity to serve 99 families (237 people). Many thanks are offered to our musicians during December. Our gratitude is extended to the Trinity Choir, the Trinity Ringers, and the Trinity Ringers Quartet. A special round of applause is extended to Kristen Goldsworthy who provided Organ Prelude Music for our Christmas Eve Service. Thank you Kristen for sharing your talent and your beautiful music with us. We extend our thanks to our volunteer cantors who serve us all year long: Elizabeth Brochin Eichmiller, Sue Gosse, Boice McCain, John McIntyre, Patricia McIntyre, Charles Parks and William Strecker. Your contributions to our worship are sincerely appreciated. Words cannot adequately express our appreciation to John McIntyre for composing the Advent Tolls for the Trinity Ringers. His Theme and Variations for Advent based on the tune OSOSŎ (Come Now, O Prince of Peace) was played during the lighting of the Advent Wreath on each Sunday and on Advent 4 the bells accompanied the singing of this hymn. Trinity is blessed to have John generously sharing his many talents with all of us. Thank you to the Trinity family for the many kindnesses, cards, gifts, etc. during the Christmas season. I am truly blessed to have been a part of the Trinity family for the past 22 1/2 years. The generosities shown to me never cease to amaze me. God s blessings to each of you. Kenna Hittle

9 Page Chris Baber Charles Parks Corrine Erickson Stephen Heng Jody Pomfret Jim and Denise Pendergast John & Kim Schoffstall Marvin Mericle Donna Gustafson Adam Pomfret Sue Gosse Cassie Montgomery Rudie Butler Eric Gackle Rev. Dana Newhouse Andrew Baber John Schoffstall Sean McLennan Randy Bland Aiden Pomfret Sandra Teeters Beth Faust Jim Rodenberger Margie Phillips James Ross Jordan Branz Jean Myers Alyson Gackle Robert Dierdorf Maggie McLennan Caleb Gackle Eric Branz Cody Spallone Mckenzie Basch Luke Yeagley PLEASE NOTE: If birthday and/or anniversary information is omitted or incorrect, please notify the church office so corrections can be made. Thank you! 2 25 Harry & Virginia English Adam & Jody Pomfret SNOW REMOVAL For several years we have hired someone for our snow removal needs. We plan to do the same this year. Money in the mowing/snow removal fund will continue to receive monetary contributions. You may use your offering envelope or a pew envelope designated for this purpose. Thank you. Trinity s Vision Statement We are a welcoming family of believers in Jesus Christ who believe that we are called to live out our faith by serving others and making disciples for Jesus Christ. Guiding Principles * We are committed to a triune God who governs our lives: God the Father, Jesus Christ - his son our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge our spiritual weaknesses and accept our forgiveness as sinners redeemed by Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. We praise God, pray for His help in our lives and seek a strong sustaining relationship with Him. We pursue the expression of Jesus Christ's teachings in our lives, supporting each other, and inviting all to join with us. We strive to be a community of believers, helping and supporting, within the congregation and in the broader community.

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11 Page 11 A prayer for new beginnings In his book Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth (Fortress Press), Walter Brueggemann writes in an Epiphany poem:... this is a time to be born. So we turn to you, God of our life God of all our years, God of our beginning... We dare pray that you will do for us and among us and through us what is needful for our newness. Give us the power to be receptive, to take the newness you give... There is a time to be born, and it is now. We sense the pangs and groans of your newness. Come here now in the name of Jesus. Amen. How fitting that the Epiphany season and the new year coincide! Epiphany reveals a new King, the beginning of his ministry, his new disciples, his first healings, his new teaching with authority (Mark 1:27). We, too, experience newness, now and year-round. But newness can be tough. So we trust that God, who [makes] all things new while banishing mourning and crying and pain (Revelation 21:4-5), walks with us in this new year and always. Praying for unity Every January, the Christian church worldwide marks the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This ecumenical octave, or eight-day observance, lasts from January 18 (the Feast of St. Peter) to January 25 (the Feast of St. Paul). The week is based on Jesus prayer to his heavenly Father in John 17:21 that his followers may all be one so that the world may believe that you have sent me (ESV). Jesus knew that if Christians were fiercely divided, people outside the faith wouldn t want to learn more about him. The theme for the 2019 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from Deuteronomy 16:20 (NRSV): Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue. Enter in Tired of making small talk at church about the weather or sports? Then follow Edward Welch s advice to enter in to the lives of your fellow worshipers. A churchgoer once asked Welch, author of Caring for One Another (Crossway), two simple yet profound questions: What was the best thing about your week, and what was the worst thing about your week? About a month later, when some issues were weighing heavily on Welch s heart, he wondered who d be willing to pray for him. Immediately, the person who d asked him those two questions came to mind. When worshipers are willing to enjoy one another s blessings and be burdened by one another s difficulties, Welch says, the body of Christ gets built up. Christian Symbol DESCENDING DOVE A dove is a prominent symbol of the Holy Spirit. When the dove is shown flying downward, it reminds us of Jesus baptism, when, the gospel writers tell us, the Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. Doves also symbolize baptism in general, because many Christian denominations teach that the Holy Spirit and its gifts are bestowed at baptism. Sometimes a dove is depicted with a three-ray nimbus around its head, indicating that it is a member of the Trinity. Doves are also commonly used as a sign of peace.

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14 Page 14 Trinity Lutheran Church Phone: FAX: TLC TLC web-site: Pastor: Rev. Dana Newhouse: (local) Trinity Cell: Sara Johnson (Organist/Music Director): Kenna Hittle (Parish Adm.): HOLY COMMUNION One loaf of unsliced bread (white or whole wheat) are needed each Sunday for the celebration of Holy Communion. The bread can be purchased or homemade. If you are interested in supplying bread for the services, please contact Denise Taylor (812) This is an excellent way for those who wish to help but perhaps due to other commitments don t have a lot of time to give. SUMMER WORSHIP WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE TIME 9:15 AM 10:00 each AM Sunday each Sunday (through 9/4) Holy Communion ONE is Service observed only at the service Holy Communion is observed at the service. SUNDAY SCHOOL/CONFIRMATION 9:00 AM TRINITY COUNCIL OFFICERS Adam Pomfret, President: Jim Pendergast, Vice-President: Pat McIntyre, Secretary: Darrel Gosse, Financial Sec.: Gordy Afdahl, Treasurer: The deadline for the February Lamplighter is January 20 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2620 OHIO BOULEVARD TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID TERRE HAUTE, IN PERMIT #581